Turkmenistan’s President and EBRD VP Discuss Enhanced Cooperation
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, welcomed Mark Bowman, Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in Ashgabat on Thursday, as reported by Turkmenistan’s official media. The meeting marked a significant step towards bolstering bilateral ties between Turkmenistan and the EBRD.
Mark Bowman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and emphasized the keen interest of European partners in expanding traditional relations with Turkmenistan.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedow reiterated Turkmenistan’s steadfast commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial international cooperation, particularly with reputable financial institutions and banking structures.
The discussions also delved into cooperation in the energy sector, with Turkmenistan expressing a keen interest in diversifying collaboration due to its abundant natural resources.
Both leaders underscored the importance of developing international transport routes via the Caspian Sea, emphasizing the efficient utilization of relevant resources. They highlighted the significant potential for expanding opportunities at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, crucial for facilitating trade between Europe and Asia.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedow affirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to consider specific proposals from the EBRD for participation in projects aimed at creating transport-transit corridors, further solidifying the nation’s role as a vital link between Europe and Asia.
Discussions also revolved around activating effective cooperation between Turkmenistan’s banks, private sector, and the EBRD. There was a particular emphasis on strengthening ties in providing credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, along with offering advisory services in this area.
In closing, both President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and EBRD Vice President Mark Bowman expressed confidence in the continued constructive bilateral partnership, founded on a long-term mutually beneficial basis, signaling a promising trajectory for future collaboration between Turkmenistan and the EBRD.
