The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan noted the need for regular Summits of the heads of the Caspian states.  This is mentioned in the Joint Statement of the leaders of the two states, which was signed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev following the summit talks held yesterday in Ashgabat.

 “Having discussed the Caspian issues, the Presidents noted the primary role of the Caspian states in maintaining regional security and stability, promoting economic development in the Caspian Sea,” the Joint Statement of the leaders of the two countries says.

 “In this regard, the need for regular holding of Summits of the heads of the Caspian states was noted, which would give an impetus to regional cooperation, exchange views on topical regional issues and develop joint approaches to their solution,” the document says.

 “The heads of state noted the importance of holding the VI Caspian Summit in Turkmenistan, high-quality study and coordination of its content,” the Joint Statement says.

 The document also «expressed confidence that the successful holding of the Summit, which will contribute to the formation of a modern legal framework for relations in the Caspian Sea, will further strengthen stability and security in the region».

 During the summit talks held the day before, the leaders of the two states noted the importance of cooperation in the Caspian Sea.

 - Kazakhstan is a neighbor of Turkmenistan on the Caspian Sea.  Our cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats is an important factor in transforming the Caspian Sea into a space of peace, harmony and mutually beneficial partnership, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

 Noting that a lot has been done in this direction, especially in recent years, the Turkmen leader stressed that «the strategic goal has been achieved – the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea has been signed».

 “The parties agreed to continue a detailed conversation on various aspects and prospects of the Caspian interaction at the forthcoming VI Summit of the Caspian states to be held in Turkmenistan,” Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at a briefing following the talks.

 In turn, President Tokayev noted at the briefing that «Kazakhstan supports the holding of a significant event in Turkmenistan in the near future – the Summit of the Caspian States».

 President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made his first state visit to Turkmenistan on October 24-25 at the invitation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.