DUSHANBE, 02.11.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met at the Qasri Millat Palace with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is in Dushanbe on an official visit.

During the restricted format meeting, the two presidents discussed in depth the prospects for developing of bilateral ties between their countries. Later the talks continued with the two countries’ delegations taking part.

President of the Republic of Tajikistan highly assessed the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan and expressed confidence that this visit will be an important step towards strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

It was noted that bilateral relationships have entered in a new stage of development over the past decades, giving a new impetus to the Tajik-Turkmen partnership and strengthening the deep ties of friendship cooperation between the two countries.

One of the factors contributing to this process was the signing of the Agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on strategic partnership.

The parties recognized that energy sector, transportation, light industry and food processing, construction, agriculture and tourism are a central pillar of the economic relationship.

It was noted that in the first eight months of 2017, Tajik — Turkmen bilateral trade volume decreased, and reached 32 million USD.

In order to enter the path to economic growth and development, the two sides renewed their commitment on holding Tajik-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and business forums.

During the meeting the two sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of political dialogue and implementation of agreements signed earlier.

Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have a great potential to develop and implement large-scale transport and energy projects. And in light of this the construction of the railway “Tajikistan – Afghanistan – Turkmenistan” was called a vivid example of cooperation in this direction.

In the field of transport, the parties also paid special attention to the issue of establishing a direct air route between the two countries.

Sport has always been an important factor in bringing people together. In this context the Head of State Emomali Rahmon congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the whole people of Turkmenistan on successful holding of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Ashgabat 2017.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed issues of development of cooperation in the field of cultural and people-to-people contacts between our two countries.

Both leaders concurred on holding of Culture Days that would contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

During the discussion of international issues, the two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthening bilateral cooperation to counter modern threats and challenges, fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, ensuring regional stability, and the stabilization of the current military and political situation in Afghanistan.

A package of 13 documents has been signed following the top level talks between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Mr. Emomali Rahmon and Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov adopted a Joint Declaration of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the President of Turkmenistan.

In addition, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed an Agreement on strategic partnership between the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Other signed documents are as follows:

The Agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the Principles of Indirect Taxation during Import and Export of Goods, Works and Services;

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on Long-term Trade and Economic Cooperation;

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on mutual recognition of documents on education;

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture;

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on Cooperation in Civil Defence, Prevention and Mitigation of Emergency Situations;

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on mutual recognition of the licenses for implementation of construction activities;

Program of cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan in the field of culture and art designed for 2018-2020;

The Protocol on making amendments and addition to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of Turkmenistan on construction of the building (complex of buildings) of Magtumguly Secondary School in farmers association Ergash Sultanov of Dusti district of the Khatlon Province of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The Agreement between the Executive Body of State Authority of the City of Dushanbe and the City Administration of Ashgabat on Establishment of Fraternal Relations between Ashgabat and Dushanbe;

The Agreement on Cooperation between the Executive Body of State Authority of the Khatlon Province (Tajikistan) and Administration of Lebap Velayat (Turkmenistan) on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation;

Memorandum of Understanding between State Unitary Enterprise «Tojinvest» under the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.

Following signing of bilateral documents, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made statements for the press.