President Ram Nath Kovind landed in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on Friday evening, in the first leg of his state visit to two nations – Turkmenistan and the Netherlands. On his arrival, the President was offered bread and salt by children as per the Turkmen tradition. Subsequently, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the President and accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Ashgabat airport.
On Saturday, the President commenced his engagements by paying a visit to Oguzhan Presidential Palace where he was received by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. During the one-to-one talk, the two leaders held a detailed discussion on the state and prospects of bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of importance.
They have agreed to intensify efforts to further strengthen India-Turkmenistan’s multifaceted partnership. The President said that his visit, which is the first such visit by an Indian President, is special since it coincides with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Turkmenistan.
Subsequently, the President led delegation-level talks between the two sides. Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on his election as the President of Turkmenistan. He noted that Turkmenistan has achieved rapid economic growth and development under the leadership of his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
He expressed confidence that Turkmenistan would continue to scale new heights under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. He invited President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to visit India.
Speaking on the trade and economic cooperation, the President said that trade between India and Turkmenistan continues to be modest. While it has picked up this year, there remains a lot of untapped potential for enhancing and diversifying it. Our business community and officials need to work together on this.
They should engage in more frequent and sector-specific interactions with each other to clarify business rules and regulations, document requirements, payment mechanisms etc. India-Central Asia Business Council was established in 2020 under the India–Central Asia Dialogue framework to facilitate regional trade. It is important for our apex Chambers to pro-actively participate in this forum and provide suggestions for taking economic cooperation forward.
