President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia

As part of his state visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

In the foyer of the Congress Center Serdar Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Following the official group photo ceremony for the Summit participants, the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place in the Large Conference Hall.

The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was also attended by the Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.

At the forum, as part of the economic partnership, the heads of state discussed issues related to expanding mutual trade, deepening investment cooperation, and developing important transport and logistics links. In addition, special attention was paid to coordinating efforts in water management, energy, cultural and humanitarian affairs, and healthcare.

After warmly welcoming the distinguished guests and thanking them for accepting their invitation to visit Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the current Summit would serve as impetus for the further development of constructive partnership between the Central Asian countries.

The head of Uzbekistan also congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan's assumption of the chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which will be held in 2026 in the new "Central Asia and Azerbaijan" format.

The floor was then given to the meeting participants.

At the beginning of his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome, hospitality, and excellent organization of this Summit. The head of state also congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan's accession to this format as a full member.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of continuing close political and diplomatic cooperation at the regional level and international forums, primarily at the UN.

The head of state expressed his conviction that the enormous potential of Central Asian countries dictates the urgent need for further active economic cooperation in the interests of all states in the region. The head of Turkmenistan highlighted transport, energy, trade, and industrial and technological cooperation as strategic areas.

Continuing on this topic, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that our countries must significantly intensify the transport component of their cooperation. To this end, they must begin effective and meaningful participation in the creation of combined corridors along the East-West and North-South lines.

The head of state noted the importance of expanding the electric power sector and creating a powerful network for the production, supply, and consumption of electricity in the region and its surrounding areas.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also named the development of production cooperative chains in industry and agriculture, more active business participation in the creation of joint ventures in various sectors within our countries, and the expansion of cross-border and regional trade as pressing priorities.

The head of Turkmenistan noted that the country supports strengthening cooperation on water resources in the region and increasing joint efforts on environmental issues in the region, particularly in sensitive areas such as saving the Aral Sea and desertification.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his conviction in the need for countries to develop coordinated environmental diplomacy within the United Nations and to attract increasing international attention to the problems of Central Asia.

Humanitarian cooperation was also named among the pressing areas for the countries of Central Asia. As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized upon assuming the chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Turkmenistan will make every effort to strengthen unity and cohesion and enhance economic partnership between the countries in the format.

Concluding his speech, the President of Turkmenistan wished the fraternal peoples of Central Asia peace, well-being, and prosperity.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his deeply meaningful speech.

Following the results of the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, a Joint Statement and a number of other documents were signed.

The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan continues.