President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Meets with IDB President Muhammad Al Jasser

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov today met with the head of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Muhammad Al Jasser, to discuss key areas for strengthening their long-standing partnership and future avenues of collaboration.

During the meeting, Muhammad Al Jasser expressed his sincere gratitude to President Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on priority sectors. He reaffirmed the IDB’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Turkmenistan, commending the country’s constructive policies based on the principles of positive neutrality, socio-economic reforms, and ambitious infrastructure projects.

Taking the opportunity, Al Jasser extended his heartfelt congratulations to both President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of Turkmenistan’s upcoming 33rd anniversary of independence, offering his best wishes for continued success and prosperity.

In response, President Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed Al Jasser and emphasized the importance of the IDB’s visit to Ashgabat. He expressed confidence that the meetings would result in fruitful exchanges, fostering a constructive dialogue on enhancing future partnerships. He highlighted the role of international cooperation, particularly with respected financial institutions like the IDB, in advancing Turkmenistan’s economic development strategy.

Marking 30 years since Turkmenistan’s membership in the IDB, President Berdimuhamedov noted the substantial contributions the bank has made to the country’s progress. The IDB has financed over 20 key projects across various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, communications, and energy.

Health and public well-being were identified as top priorities of Turkmenistan’s state policy, with President Berdimuhamedov stressing the country’s efforts to improve the healthcare system and increase life expectancy. He acknowledged the IDB’s role in financing significant medical infrastructure projects and highlighted the potential for further investment cooperation in this area.

The energy sector emerged as a priority in the discussion. Turkmenistan, rich in natural resources, is dedicated to diversifying its energy industry. The two leaders explored future cooperation in the oil and gas industries, noting the positive impact these projects could have on regional and global economic cooperation. Turkmenistan’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy was also emphasized, with both sides expressing readiness to collaborate on environmentally friendly energy initiatives.

The transport and logistics sectors were highlighted as other key areas for partnership. Turkmenistan’s strategic geographic position has made it a vital player in regional and international transportation networks. The development of multimodal transport corridors along the North-South and East-West routes, as well as the expansion of international transport through the Caspian Sea, were discussed. President Berdimuhamedov indicated Turkmenistan’s openness to the IDB’s proposals for contributing to these projects, particularly the enhancement of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, which connects Asia and Europe.

Additionally, cooperation in internet and telecommunications system development was explored, with both sides seeing potential in strengthening the infrastructure for digital services in the country.

Both leaders also discussed expanding the IDB’s support for Turkmenistan’s banking sector and private enterprises, particularly in providing financial and advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses. This initiative is expected to further contribute to the country’s economic growth and diversification.

In closing, President Berdimuhamedov and IDB President Al Jasser expressed their optimism about the future of Turkmenistan-IDB cooperation. Both reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening their partnership, exploring new opportunities, and implementing concrete initiatives for the benefit of both parties.