Azerbaijan, Baku, April 30 / Trend V. Zhavoronkova /
Turkmen and Tatar presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Rustam Minnikhanov have discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation in Ashgabat, the Turkmen State News Agency reported today.
Minnikhanov's visit was paid within a Tatar delegation's participation in the celebrations on the occasion of Turkmen Heavenly Horse Holiday.
The Tatar president stressed that positive changes are obvious every time he visited Turkmenistan. This also refers to the development of the urban infrastructure and industrial production where the pace of development of the country is really impressive.
President Berdimuhamedov emphasised the special importance attached to the comprehensive strengthening and expanding of the traditionally friendly and constructive dialogue with the Russian Federation and its major regions, including Tatarstan.
Turkmenistan and Tatarstan where there have been long standing economic and cultural ties based on historical good neighbourly relations and strong bonds of respect and mutual support.
The views about the current state and prospects of cooperation were exchanged. President Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan intends to fully intensify the cooperation with Turkmenistan, Tatarstan considers Turkmenistan as a reliable partner.
In this context both sides stressed the importance of the first meeting of the Turkmen-Tatar working committee on trade and economic, scientific and technical and cultural cooperation held in Ashgabat on April 26. They expressed confidence that the consultations and the prospects for partnership in key areas will initiate a new stage in the development of business ties and humanitarian contacts.
Recalling that at present various projects are being successfully implemented between the Tatarstan and Turkmenistan in the energy, engineering, oil production, IT technologies, medicine and food industry, President Berdimuhamedov said that the existing potential for cooperation can significantly increase the collaboration in all these areas.
The cooperation with such Tatar enterprises as KAMAZ and Tatneft was particularly highlighted. According to the presidents, it is an example for other large companies of the Russian Federation. Opportunities through business organisations were discussed.
The need was stressed to develop partnership in the field of shipbuilding, tourism, culture and education.
Tatarstan's medical cluster has great interest for Turkmenistan. This Russian region's experience in the development of innovation and industrial technological parks, high technologies and science is interesting.