Aliyev, Mirziyoyev, and “Arkadag” hold trilateral meeting

A trilateral meeting took place today, August 22, at the “Avaza” national tourism zone in Turkmenistan between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People’s Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan reported.

During the meeting, issues concerning the development of multifaceted cooperation in trade and economics, transport and communications, energy, and humanitarian sectors were discussed. At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan congratulated "Arkadag" once again on the successful hosting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan in early August. He also congratulated President Aliyev on the recent signing of a peace declaration with Armenia in Washington.

During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev proposed several initiatives to expand multifaceted cooperation. The importance of fully leveraging the vast transit potential of the three countries was emphasized.

It was noted that the integration of existing and prospective transport corridors could create a stable and efficient transcontinental route linking China through the territories of the three states to South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The new cargo flows are expected to primarily ensure the effective use of the infrastructure of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Support was expressed for developing the central route, including plans for the Zangezur corridor. It was proposed to jointly address key issues at the expert level. President Mirziyoyev stated Uzbekistan’s readiness to mutually reduce freight tariffs to ensure the shortest and most advantageous access for businesses to major markets.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that coordinated efforts could establish pragmatic cooperation with donor countries and international organizations involved in developing logistics infrastructure.

According to the President of Uzbekistan, the country is interested in creating its own ferry capacity to transport cargo across the Caspian Sea.

The need to deepen cooperation to ensure energy security and to develop export routes for energy resources to third countries was emphasized. In this context, the project to supply “green” energy to Europe was noted as promising. Regarding traditional hydrocarbons, it was proposed to explore prospects for cooperation in conducting geological surveys and developing deposits on the Caspian shelf.

During the meeting, several additional proposals were also put forward:

• Jointly preparing a comprehensive action plan to develop sustainable trade-logistics chains, establish wholesale-distribution centers and access to major retail networks, unify phytosanitary and quarantine requirements, introduce digital product labeling, launch joint electronic platforms, and expand cooperation in commodity-raw material exchanges;
• Actively involving the territories of the three countries in these processes by organizing exhibitions, fairs, and business meetings under the auspices of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry;
• Expanding humanitarian ties by increasing tourist flows from the three countries and third nations, highlighting the shared rich cultural heritage, traditions, and customs of their peoples, and adopting a trilateral program for tourism and cultural exchanges.

It is worth noting that earlier, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, arrived in Turkmenistan. At Turkmenbashi International Airport, he was welcomed by Nokerguli Ataguliev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and other officials. Subsequently, at the Congress Center of the “Avaza” national tourism zone, Shavkat Mirziyoyev held face-to-face talks with the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People’s Council, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, with the participation of their official delegations.