Turkmenistan intends to further strengthen the interstate political, economic, spiritual and cultural ties with Russia that have passed the test of time. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said this during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on October 7.

The head of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that, thanks to joint efforts, the strategic Turkmen-Russian relations will continue to dynamically develop and deepen for the common good.

Congratulating Vladimir Putin on his birthday, the Turkmen leader wished him good health, prosperity, new successes in all undertakings and aspirations for the benefit of the people of a friendly state.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that at present, bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual trust and strategic partnership are becoming more dynamic and progressive, they are distinguished by equality and openness.

In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his sincere gratitude to Vladimir Putin for the personal attention and all-round support provided to the Turkmen-Russian cooperation, which plays a special role in its success and further development.

In turn, the President of Russia noted with satisfaction the constructive nature of the interstate dialogue, based on the good will of the parties and having a solid multifaceted potential.

Discussing the priority issues of Turkmen-Russian interaction, which is successfully developing in a wide range of areas, the interlocutors noted that trade and economic ties are showing positive dynamics, which is facilitated by the activities of the joint Intergovernmental Commission.

At the same time, the parties noted the expediency of encouraging any contacts between various departments and private structures of Turkmenistan and Russia for the further expansion of mutually beneficial partnership.

They also noted great opportunities for building up cooperation in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

“Our country welcomes the latest achievements of Russian scientists in the development of a vaccine against coronavirus infection and counts on cooperation with Russia in this area,” the Turkmen leader said.

The interlocutors also touched upon the issues of the five-sided political dialogue of the Caspian countries. In August 2018, the leaders of the littoral states agreed to hold the next - the sixth Caspian Summit in Turkmenistan. As it was emphasized, for two years, the foreign ministries have been working on its preparation. A substantial package of documents planned for signing following the results of the Caspian Summit is being discussed. Also at the expert level, the possibilities of creating practical mechanisms aimed at ensuring the implementation of previously signed Agreements are being considered.

During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited Vladimir Putin to visit Turkmenistan at any time convenient for him.