Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are aiming to boost their mutual trade volume to $2bn in the coming years, as reaffirmed during high-level talks held between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people, at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center.
The meeting, which took place in both narrow and expanded formats with official delegations, highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, energy, transport, water management, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
At the start of the discussions, Berdimuhamedov conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow to the Uzbek leader. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of their relations, stressing the importance of maintaining effective dialogue and strengthening the strategic partnership.
In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.1bn. With plans underway to nearly double that figure, both governments are intensifying efforts to establish trading houses, boost cargo transportation, and jointly develop the Shovot–Toshovuz border trade zone.
Intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms—such as the Business Council, Intergovernmental Commission, and Forum of Regions—are being held regularly, while cultural and humanitarian events, including exhibitions and cultural days, continue to bring the two peoples closer together.
It was announced that the third Forum of Regions will take place in the historic city of Khiva this year, alongside the Days of Turkmen Culture in Uzbekistan.
Discussions also covered regional partnership initiatives, with both leaders exchanging views on the upcoming "Central Asia Plus" summits and preparations for the seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in Tashkent.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized Uzbekistan’s support for Turkmenistan’s international initiatives, including the events planned in Ashgabat this December as part of the UN-declared International Year of Peace and Trust.
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