The possibilities of increasing multifaceted cooperation were discussed on March 27 at a meeting between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Khusrav Noziri, TDH reports.

 The guest emphasized the significant contribution of Turkmenistan to strengthening constructive partnership in the ECO format.  It was also noted that the positive experience of joint work accumulated over the past years serves as a reliable basis for further expansion of interaction.

 Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that, advocating further intensification of productive cooperation within the Organization, Turkmenistan seeks to contribute to increasing the efficiency of the activities of this multilateral structure.

 During the conversation, it was stated that the ECO member states have great opportunities to build up mutually beneficial partnership, primarily in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in the cultural and humanitarian field, in the area of ecology and tourism.

 For its part, Turkmenistan intends to continue to promote effective cooperation in the ECO format through the implementation of joint projects and programs.

 In this context, the energy sector was named one of the priority areas.  As noted, having huge reserves of natural gas, Turkmenistan is ready to significantly diversify its supplies, including to consumers and transit countries in the ECO space.

 Transport was identified as another important vector of interaction.  Based on its favorable geographical location, Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development and use of transport and logistics hubs as a key area of economic cooperation with foreign partners.

 In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited the ECO to more actively participate in the implementation of the transit opportunities of Turkmenistan, using such transport corridors as North-South and East-West.

 The head of state noted that the current visit of the ECO Secretary General to Ashgabat includes participation in the International Conference “Major directions and potential for tourism development in Turkmenistan,” which is designed to reveal the country’s tourism opportunities and expand the geography of international cooperation in this area.

 Having wished the guest fruitful participation in the conference and meaningful negotiations within its framework, the President expressed confidence that the results of the visit will contribute to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ECO.