Regular meeting of foreign ministries in the format of “Central Asia + Russia” with participation of the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in video conference format.
High level of interstate relations between Central Asian countries and Russian Federation, which are connected with friendship, solidarity and mutual respect, has been noted during meeting. this traditional dialog, which is continued based on multilateral and multilateral cooperation, takes special strategic place in foreign policy of Turkmenistan.
The sides have discussed current issues of cooperation in political and diplomatic spheres as well as in trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.
Special attention has been paid to the response to COVID-19 pandemic, development of anit-crisis plans and programs including the recovery plans of social and economic impact in the countries of the region.
Turkmen side has also presented steadfast and integrated measures undertaken in the country for combating pandemic threat. In this context, the importance of strengthening of regional and international cooperation has been highlighted.
According to initiatives proposed by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his video message to the participants of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, the necessity of involvement of the mechanisms of scientific diplomacy and consolidation of efforts of related departments, especially health protection ministries and sanitary and epidemiological services, has been highlighted.
The ministers have discussed in details current situation and future cooperation in provision of regional security taking into account the situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Turkmenistan has confirmed its commitment to the efforts for making conditions for achievement of national harmony by peaceful dialog and provision of economic and humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.
The heads of foreign ministries have also shared the views on expansion of the cooperation in combating common challenges and threats. In this context, the necessity of close partnership under regional and international structures has been highlighted taking into account universal standards and principles.
The opinions on the ways and forms of activation of equal and beneficial partnership on Eurasian space including the development of trade and economic relations and investment cooperation have been expressed.
Perspectives of implementation of the key initiatives of Central Asian states, Russian Federation and countries of Asian Pacific region in transit and logistic sphere, which is to support strengthening of trade and economic relations, provision of beneficial tariff terms, growth of competiveness in post-pandemic period, have been discussed.
The sides have also analyzed cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere, having spoken for activation of the partnership in education, science and cultural spheres. In this context, the importance of “Soul of Eurasia” initiative, which is aimed at development of cultural dialog between the countries, has been highlighted.
In the end, having noted the commitment to cooperation in this format, the ministers has adopted the Statement on strategic directions of cooperation.