What Tokayev and Berdimuhamedov talked about at their informal meeting in Turkestan

©️ Akorda.kz

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting with the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to a statement from Akorda.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, the Head of State thanked him for visiting Turkestan — the spiritual capital of Kazakhstan, a city that holds sacred significance for all Turkic peoples.

“It is gratifying that cooperation between our countries is developing successfully. Strategically important projects in the gas sector and the transport and logistics sphere are in the pipeline. We are closely monitoring this work, as its results will determine the further qualitative development of our economic cooperation,” the President noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the start of the International Year of Peace and Trust, emphasizing that this initiative, supported by the UN, demonstrates Turkmenistan's high international standing.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed gratitude for the hospitality and called Kazakhstan one of Turkmenistan’s key strategic partners.

“Our bilateral relations in the political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres have strong prospects. We thank you for supporting Turkmenistan’s initiative at the UN to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust,” said Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for further strengthening the multifaceted strategic partnership across the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

They emphasized the need to identify new growth points and implement systemic measures to increase trade turnover to 1 billion USD in the coming years.

Photo by Akorda press service

“Special attention was given to expanding cooperation in the gas sector, particularly Kazakhstan’s participation in the development of the Galkynysh gas field in partnership with foreign companies,” Akorda’s press service stated.

President Tokayev highlighted the significant potential of the Turghundi–Herat–Kandahar–Spin Boldak railway construction project, which, once successfully implemented, will diversify transport routes and expand export markets.

Photo by Akorda press service

“He also noted that key roles in enhancing the North–South transit corridor are played by the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway line and the Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan border highway currently under construction. In addition, the meeting addressed cooperation in education, healthcare, and digitalization,” the press service reported.

The Kazakh side expressed readiness to provide comprehensive support to Turkmenistan in digitalizing public services and in training IT specialists, military personnel, and medical staff.

It is worth noting that on April 21, former President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived in Kazakhstan.

He was welcomed at Turkistan Airport by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. His visit includes an informal meeting and tours of several city landmarks.