Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Oct. 6 / Trend H. Hasanov /
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have similar positions on most aspects of the Caspian Sea, Kazakh Chargé d'Affaires to Turkmenistan Mukhamedkali Bakbergenov said today.
The appeal is timed to the 20th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries.
"I would like to stress the similarity of Kazakh and Turkmen positions on various international issues, including most aspects of the legal status of the Caspian Sea," the statement said.
The diplomat stressed that the negotiations, consultations and meetings at various levels are regularly held as well as within the special working group on the legal status of the Caspian Sea.
Bakbergenov said that great prospects appear for sea freight and passenger transportation between Aktau and Turkmenbashi, including ferry service, in connection with the establishment of the Turkmen merchant marine fleet in the Caspian Sea and the reconstruction of the sea port in Turkmenbashi.
The Caspian Sea washes the coast of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran and Turkmenistan.
The route to Europe via the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan looks more attractive for Turkmenistan, ranking fourth on the largest natural gas reserves in the world (after Russia, Iran and Qatar). The Turkmen side expressed readiness to conduct appropriate environmental review with international experts to implement this project.
"A priority in the Kazakh foreign policy is given to strengthen mutually beneficial and friendly relations with Turkmenistan," Kazakh ambassador said. "Our countries are united by history, geography, culture, traditions, and a common language."
A solid foundation has been laid for the development of all-round mutually beneficial relations between the two countries. Over 60 interstate and intergovernmental agreements covering various areas of cooperation have been signed. The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the agreement on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation till 2020, and others are among them.