Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding multilateral and bilateral cooperation with the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This was stated by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, speaking on October 7 at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS in Azerbaijan.

"Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding multilateral and bilateral cooperation with the countries of the Organization of Turkic States. It is making great efforts to strengthen and meaningfully enrich mutually beneficial ties based on equality, mutual respect, and strategic partnership," said Hero-Arkadag, whose speech at the OTS summit was published in the country's central media on Wednesday.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that to achieve these "long-term goals, Turkmenistan is promoting and actively implementing major projects in energy, transport and logistics, communications, and other areas of strategic importance at the regional and international levels."

Geroy-Arkadag also stated that "cultural and humanitarian spheres play a special role in the structure of relations between Turkic states... Here, we propose strengthening measures to hold joint cultural events. In particular, we are doing much to organize Culture Days, theatrical performances, various exhibitions, and film screenings."

"We believe it is necessary to focus on expanding academic exchanges in science and education, establishing student scholarship programs, and working together to study the historical and cultural heritage of our peoples," Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued.

"Turkmenistan is always ready for more constructive and closer cooperation with all states that are members of the Organization of Turkic States," said the head of the Halk Maslahaty.

Currently, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan are members of the OTS. Turkmenistan and Hungary have observer status in the OTS.