Ashgabat, 25 October 2022 (TDI): Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit, on October 20.
The official welcoming ceremony for the distinguished guest was held at the Oguzhan Presidential Palace Complex on October 21 in the morning.
An honorary escort of motorcycle riders accompanied the convoy of the Uzbek President. The President of Turkmenistan invited his Uzbek counterpart to the Rowaç Hall after the official photo session with the State flags of the two nations.
Meeting at Rowaç Hall
There, high-level discussions were held in a one-on-one setting. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended a warm welcome to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He thanked the President of Uzbekistan for accepting the invitation to visit and stated that this visit is regarded as a significant milestone in the growth of interstate ties.
While Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his part thanked his Turkmen counterpart for his hospitality, invitation, and warm welcome, noting that it was his election as President of Uzbekistan that led to the first foreign visit to Turkmenistan.
It is pertinent to note that the interstate discourse has achieved a qualitatively new level and is built on historical traditions of good neighborliness, respect and trust, and comprehension of shared long-term aims and interests.
A focus on bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, the economy, energy, logistics, water, and agriculture was also made during the visit of the Uzbek President.
Likewise, there have been breakthroughs in all facets of practical cooperation in recent years between the two countries. The agreements made are being successfully carried out in accordance with the Roadmap.
Bilateral Consultations at Soltan Sanjar Hall
Members of the official delegations of the two nations also participated in the enlarged format of negotiations that were also taking place in Soltan Sanjar Hall.
During the meeting, the two sides shared current problems of mutual interest on the regional and global agenda where the subject of intensifying collaboration in Central Asia received special emphasis.
The two Presidents also reaffirmed the necessity of stepping up collaboration in the areas of education, tourism, and culture. Along these lines, cross days of culture and cinema, and youth events, are scheduled for 2023.
Declaration on Strengthening Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
A formal ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents also took place following the conclusion of the negotiations, and a comprehensive set of documents was signed.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Declaration on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Subsequent Press Briefing
After the document-signing event, the heads of the two states spoke to the media. The President of Turkmenistan thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Uzbek delegation for the productive talks that took place in an environment of openness.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his satisfaction with the negotiations, which led to the signing of a comprehensive package of bilateral documents.
He especially highlighted the significant personal achievement of the President of Uzbekistan in fostering interstate dialogue and his ongoing focus on issues of cooperation with Turkmenistan.
Meeting with Head of Turkmenistan’s Milli Gengesh
Aside from that, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the head of Turkmenistan’s Milli Gengesh, on the same day.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed optimism for the future of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation, which is built on long-standing friendship and excellent neighborly relations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Hero-Arkadag gave the Uzbek leader a Turkmen Turkmen Alabai, also known as Alabai, along with a certificate proving his lineage.
Visit to Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also visited the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex in the afternoon as a part of his official visit. Here, he laid flowers at the Baky öhrat monument which honors the legacy of brave national heroes who protected their country.
The Uzbek leader also left a memorable inscription in the Book of Honored Guests after exploring the Watan Mukaddesligi Museum’s exhibits, situated on the grounds of the Memorial Complex.
Visit to Magtymguly Turkmen State University
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, then traveled to the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, where a solemn ceremony was organized to award the head of a friendly nation with the academic title of Honorary Professor.
In his remarks to the assemblage, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for the honor of receiving the academic title of Honorary Professor from one of the top Turkmen universities.
In this vein, he said that he saw this as another sign of friendship, good neighborliness, and fruitful cooperation growing between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Visit to Tashkent Recreation Park
Moreover, the Tashkent recreation park, which was constructed in Ashgabat, celebrated its inaugural ceremony on the same day with the presence of Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The head of Turkmenistan met the distinguished guest at the main entrance to the new park, which has become another visible symbol of the indestructible Turkmen-Uzbek friendship.
In the course of familiarization with the park, the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan went to the Chaikhana (Teahouse), decorated in the Uzbek style, and got acquainted with the conditions created for visitors.
Leaving the Teahouse, the duo went to the area in front of the main stage of the park, where a large screen was installed.
Ceremony of laying the foundation of Turkmen-Uzbek border trade zone
Through a direct teleconference organized via digital communication, Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the ceremony of laying the foundation of the Turkmen-Uzbek border trade zone; the Trade Center, which took place on the territory of the Dashoguz velayat.
State banquet held to honor Uzbek President
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also hosted a state banquet in the evening in honor of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Cultural icons and artists gave performances at the event.
Following their meeting, Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev traveled to Ashgabat International Airport where they bid each other a fond farewell.
Farewell of Uzbek President
Upon farewell, the counterparts reiterated their commitment to friendship, brotherhood, good neighborliness, and comprehensive cooperation between their two nations and peoples.
The official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan and its successful outcomes will provide a strong impetus for further cooperation.
Similarly, the bilateral agreements signed at the highest level of the summit will strengthen the long-standing, cordial, and friendly ties between the two nations and their people.
