Mirziyoyev holds phone call with Turkmen leader Berdimuhamedov

According to the Presidential Press Service, on March 19, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The discussion focused on bilateral relations and pressing issues of regional cooperation.

The leaders began by exchanging warm greetings for the upcoming spring holiday, Navruz. They wished each other good health, prosperity, and success, as well as peace and progress for the brotherly peoples of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The conversation highlighted the rapid development of multifaceted Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan relations, which are based on principles of friendship, trust, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion. Cooperation in industries such as energy, transport, agriculture, and water management continues to deepen. Joint projects, including the establishment of the "Shovot-Toshovuz" cross-border trade zone, as well as regional and cultural exchange programs, are actively underway.

The leaders also discussed preparations for key regional forums and summits. They exchanged views on the agenda for the upcoming “Central Asia Plus” summits in Samarkand and the next Consultative Meeting of regional leaders in Tashkent.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the significance of international events, including the forum and other activities planned in December in Ashgabat as part of the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the United Nations General Assembly at Turkmenistan’s initiative.

The "Central Asia – European Union" summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4, chaired by President Mirziyoyev. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend. Additionally, the first Samarkand Climate Forum will be held on April 4-5 at the “Silk Road Samarkand” Congress Center, with participation from Central Asian leaders, the EU, the UN, international financial institutions, and leading environmental organizations.

Just a day earlier, on March 18, President Mirziyoyev held phone conversations with the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.