The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan share the vision on the prospects of the development of interstate dialog

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani had a telephone conversation.

Having warmly greeted each other, the heads of neighbouring states shared their visions of current situation and prospects of the development of interstate dialog, which comprehensively meets fundamental interests of Turkmen and Afghan people.

Discussing the subjects of cooperation, the parties stated with delight the recent tendency of intensification of cooperation of both countries both in bilateral and multilateral formats under largest international organizations and competent regional structures.

It was mentioned that Turkmen and Afghan nations have always appreciated traditional relations of neighbourhood and fruitful cooperation, which positive character serves directly to comprehensive consolidation of political and diplomatic, trade and economc, cultural and humanitarian relations.

During the conversation, the Head of Turkmenistan invited the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to take part in the events planned in the second half of February 2018, which meet social and economic interests of our states. The events include the launch ceremony of construction of Afghan part of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line, fibre optic line on the same route, Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan power line as well as in the ceremony of launching Serhetabat - Turgundy railway.

Having expressed his gratitude for the invitation and fraternal help, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani confirmed his participation in all planned events, having made special mention that Afghan side attaches great importance to TAPI project as well as to other infrastructural projects, which are to enhance the development of the economy of Afghanistan supporting its economic integration and prosperity of entire region.

Continuing the conversation, the Heads of friendly countries discussed the matters of social and economic impact that is expected from projects in establishment of international transport and transit corridors initiated by Turkmenistan.

In this context, President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani highlighted special importance of the Resolution on Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the sustainable development adopted by the UN General Assembly recently, which was developed by the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

In his turn, Turkmen leader noted that consolidation of fruitful cooperation with all interested partners in strategic issues of global agenda including in transport sector is one of the priority vectors of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan. The initiatives proposed by Turkmen State in this important direction find the approval of the world community indicated by relative resolutions adopted recently by the UN General Assembly.

Exchange of the opinions on the issues of regional and international politics presenting mutual interest took place during the conversation. In this context, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani made special mention that the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan fully supports constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan oriented to the consolidation of efforts to seek for optimum solutions of topical issues of modernity.

In the end of telephone conversation, the leaders of two countries expressed the confidence that Turkmen – Afghan relations would continue to develop in all directions resting upon the best traditions of friendship and neighbourhood and mutual good will of the sides.

In the end, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammed Ashraf Ghani exchanged the congratulations on coming New Year, having addressed the wishes of wellbeing and prosperity to the people of both countries.