Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Presidents Hold Talks in Samarkand to Boost Strategic Partnership

Samarkand, The Gulf Observer: On the sidelines of the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit in Samarkand, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to reaffirm the enduring ties of friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership between the two nations.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Uzbek President.

The meeting highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed $1.1 billion in 2024, and emphasized ongoing cooperation in key sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, and water management. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum of joint economic initiatives and intergovernmental collaboration.

Notably, the two sides discussed progress on the development of the “Shavat – Dashoguz” cross-border trade zone, a strategic project designed to facilitate trade and economic integration.

They also reviewed the ongoing interregional partnerships and cultural-humanitarian exchanges, underscoring the importance of people-to-people ties in strengthening bilateral relations.

Special focus was placed on the preparation for upcoming high-level meetings and multilateral events, with both presidents reaffirming their commitment to advancing joint projects under a multifaceted cooperation framework.

This meeting further solidifies the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, laying a foundation for deeper regional integration and sustainable development across Central Asia.