The Presidents of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan – Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Emomali Rahmon and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, respectively – are set to convene in Ashgabat on August 4 for a summit. While the specific agenda has not been disclosed in the official newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan, it is expected to cover various aspects of economic cooperation and development among the three countries.
Yuri Aronsky, the Chairman of the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan, shared his expectations for the summit. He anticipates discussions on strengthening economic ties, enhancing cooperation in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and science. Moreover, the leaders might explore ways to further develop transport corridors, particularly railway corridors, and streamline trade procedures, including increasing container transportation capacity and creating joint terminals for goods transportation and storage.
Aronsky emphasizes the potential benefits of such cooperation, not only for the participating nations but also for the broader development of Central Asia.
In the context of Turkmen-Tajik relations, the two countries prioritize collaboration in transportation, water and energy, and environmental protection. Their efforts aim to create a robust and modern infrastructure to connect transportation systems across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, both nations actively work towards improving the activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Regarding Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation, the newspaper highlights the significance of automobile and railroad bridges built across the Amu Darya River. These bridges facilitate direct access of cargo flows from Asia-Pacific and South Asia to the Caspian Sea, providing avenues to reach regions such as the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Europe, Transcaucasia, and the Middle East.
Turkmenistan is constructing a high-speed highway from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat, which, upon connecting with the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway, will provide direct access to the Turkmenbashi seaport. This development is expected to elevate Central Asia's transit opportunities, expand access to global markets, attract investments, and create favorable conditions for economic growth.
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Based on materials from TASS