On January 26, online Turkmenistan-Belarus ministerial-level consultations were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the participation of Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makey.
The consultation meeting focused on key areas of bilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian fields. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of high-level contacts in strengthening the traditional friendly interstate relations.
The parties noted the productive dialogue within reputable regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations, the OSCE, the CIS, and others. Particularly, discussions centered on the partnership within the CIS, which serves as an effective platform for collaboration across a broad spectrum.
In this context, much significance was attached to the events scheduled for 2021 designated as the Year of Architecture and Urban Development in the CIS on the initiative of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Having highlighted a constructive and regular character of the Turkmenistan-Belarus dialogue at Foreign Ministers’ level, the meeting participants considered the legal framework governing the interstate relations and exchanged views on its improvement.
Lively discussions also revolved around the issues of promoting the trade-economic partnership, which is one of the main areas of bilateral cooperation.
In this regard, the sides emphasized the role of the Joint Intergovernmental Commissions and the Trading Houses of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Belarus in fostering the productive contacts, boosting the investment and industrial cooperation, and increasing and diversifying trade between the countries.
During the consultations, special attention was given to the traditional humanitarian dialogue, including the fruitful cooperation in a priority area of education. Along with that, the sides declared the two countries’ willingness to continue the well-established scientific, artistic and cultural contacts.
The issues of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise in the field of healthcare also received consideration. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s initiative in this important sector seeks to use instruments of medical diplomacy, which is gaining in importance and popularity, given present-day requirements.
The consultations culminated in the signing of the 2021-2022 Program of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.