From economics to culture – new opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

On November 17, private talks between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took place at the Kuksaroy residence.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were established on the basis of historical brotherhood and close cultural traditions.

The openness of hearts and mutual respect between the two peoples are always evident. This is particularly evident in interstate policy, everyday interactions between residents of border areas, and a culture of mutual support.

This positive dynamic has intensified in recent years, reflected not in figures or official indicators, but in the shared interests of the two countries. The accelerated growth of trade, the expansion of joint projects, and the active development of transport and logistics are practical proof of mutual trust and openness.

Thus, relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are becoming one of the key pillars of closeness and solidarity in Central Asia.

The current state visit will be an important step toward further strengthening Uzbek-Turkmen relations of friendship, good-neighborliness, and strategic partnership, which have become exemplary in recent years.

The positive dynamics and active contacts in all areas were noted with satisfaction. Meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council, as well as cultural events, are held regularly. In the lead-up to the visit, Culture Days and film screenings of Turkmenistan were held in Urgench and Tashkent to great acclaim.

Trade turnover increased last year. Freight traffic volumes are growing, including through the port of Turkmenbashi. Particular attention was paid to increasing mutual trade and promoting effective cooperation in industry, energy, transport, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and water management.

The importance of further expanding interregional exchanges was noted. An agreement was reached to hold the third Forum of Regions in Khiva.

An exchange of views on regional and international issues also took place.

Talks between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations from both countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, the leader of our country emphasized that the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan is a clear confirmation of the inviolability of the centuries-old ties of friendship and good-neighborliness between the two peoples.

Current issues of further expanding Uzbek-Turkmen relations of friendship, good-neighborliness, and strategic partnership were discussed.

High praise was given to the work accomplished in trade, transport, energy, water management, and other important areas. "Undoubtedly, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, deserves enormous credit for this," the President stated.

Mutual trade has doubled in recent years, exceeding $1 billion. All opportunities for increasing this figure to $2 billion by expanding the range of goods and effectively leveraging the free trade regime were highlighted.

The launch of the Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone will also contribute to increasing trade turnover. An agreement was reached to expand this experience to other territories, primarily in the Alat-Farab region.

To expand industrial cooperation, the importance of actively engaging businesses in launching new projects for the production of construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food products, and other in-demand goods was noted.

Effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector has been established. It was agreed to move on to larger-scale projects, including the joint development of promising deposits.

Transportation is a vital link between the economies of the two countries. Freight volumes are growing, and customs and logistics procedures are being simplified. The parties agreed to jointly develop the port of Turkmenbashi and resume direct flights between the capitals.

To ensure the timely implementation of the agreements reached, regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council will be held before the end of the year.

The leaders noted that the humanitarian sphere forms a solid foundation for their multifaceted ties.

To maintain the momentum of cooperation, the parties agreed to regularly hold mutual concerts and theater tours, organize a Youth Forum in Khiva, and continue the practice of producing joint films.

Exchanges in healthcare and medical science will be intensified.

Following the talks, the heads of state instructed the adoption of a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of all agreements reached.

Following the high-level talks, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the opening ceremony of the Shavat-Dashoguz joint border trade zone.

The zone includes administrative buildings for the directorate, customs, quarantine, phytosanitary, and veterinary services, a trade pavilion, and warehouses.

It will offer one-stop government services and interactive systems, banking, medical, and hotel services, and ample parking.

The zone will contribute to the expansion of trade and economic relations between the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan and the Dashoguz velayat of Turkmenistan—two key regions with a combined population of over 3.5 million people.

A ceremony to present the highest state award of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the "Oliy Darajali Dustlik" Order, to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was held at the Kuksaroy residence. Presenting the prestigious award, the head of state noted that this decision reflects the sincere respect and recognition by the people of Uzbekistan of the achievements of the President of Turkmenistan in strengthening friendship, mutual trust, and the strategic partnership between the two fraternal countries.

"You are worthily continuing the work of your father, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Large-scale projects are being implemented in the country, creating a reliable foundation for ensuring a prosperous life for the people," the head of state emphasized.

This year marks the holding of major events in Turkmenistan dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov's contribution to the expansion of multifaceted Uzbek-Turkmen relations was noted with satisfaction. This primarily includes the comprehensive development of trade, economic, and cooperative ties. A major project, the Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone, has been launched. Mutually beneficial cooperation is developing in the fields of energy, transport, and logistics.

It was emphasized that this award will serve as a symbol of strong friendship and good-neighborliness. The President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the leader and people of Uzbekistan for this high recognition and his commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Following the fruitful high-level talks, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Joint Statement.

Furthermore, in the presence of the heads of state, the following signed documents were exchanged:

– Agreement on the Functioning of the Uzbek-Turkmen Border Trade Zone;

– Agreement on Cooperation in Healthcare and Medical Science;

– Agreement on Further Development of Cooperation in Agriculture;

– Protocol on Amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Prevention of Emergencies and Elimination of Their Consequences;

– Protocol on Amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement on International Automobile Passenger and Freight Traffic;

– Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Justice for 2026-2027;

– Cooperation Program in the Sphere of Culture for 2026-2027;

– Memorandum of Cooperation in the Supply of Railcars for the Transportation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Chemicals;

– Memorandum of Understanding on Biological Security;

– Memorandum between the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on the Establishment of an Uzbek-Turkmen Expert Council;

– Memorandum of Cooperation between the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan;

– Roadmap for Cooperation in Forestry for 2026-2030;

– Agreements on cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and humanitarian spheres between the khokimiyats of the Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions and the Lebap velayat administration, the Tashkent region administration and the Ahal velayat administration, and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Dashoguz velayat administration.

Following the high-level talks at the Kuksaroy residence, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov made statements to the media.

The head of state expressed confidence that this historic state visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two fraternal countries and take it to new heights.

During the talks, priorities for joint work in the political, trade, economic, transport, water, energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres were identified. The key focus is on expanding trade, economic, and cooperative ties.

The neglected border zone plays a special role in this. The Shavat-Dashoguz trade route was established. The parties intend to apply this experience to other border areas, primarily in the Alat-Farab region.

To strengthen the region's transport connectivity, the governments were instructed to develop proposals for the development of road, rail, and maritime transport, as well as the joint use of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

Particular attention was paid to energy issues. A commitment to further deepening cooperation in the supply and transit of electricity and the implementation of joint projects in the two countries was confirmed.

The parties will develop cooperation in environmental protection and rational water use, including in the Central Asian region.

Another priority area is interregional cooperation. Regional forums were successfully held in Bukhara and Turkmenabad. A third forum will soon be held in Khiva with the participation of all regions of the two countries.

Significant progress has been achieved in deepening regional cooperation through the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Confidence was expressed that the results of the Seventh Consultative Meeting, held in Tashkent, will contribute to integration processes and strengthen unity in the region.

The importance of continuing mutual support within the United Nations and other international organizations was also emphasized.

In conclusion, a mutual commitment to dynamically developing cooperation and achieving breakthrough results for the sake of progress and prosperity of our fraternal countries was reaffirmed.

On this day, the high-ranking guest visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park and laid flowers at the foot of the Independence Monument.

Particular attention was paid to the artistic depiction of scholars, great military leaders, and Jadids in the monument. The Independence Monument, erected in honor of our Motherland and our courageous, brave, peace-loving, and hardworking heroic people, made a great impression on the President of Turkmenistan and members of the delegation.

Following the completion of his visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was seen off at Tashkent-Humo International Airport by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Ziyodulla Zhonibekov,

Ikrom Avvalboyev, UzA correspondents