As part of the working visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to Turkey, the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Ankara on February 24-25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported today.

The delegation of Turkmenistan at the meeting was headed by Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the country Nokerguly Atagulyev, the delegation of Turkey was headed by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz.

Opening the meeting, the co-chairs of the Commission noted with satisfaction the high level of development of Turkmen-Turkish relations based on the principles of equality and mutual trust.

The parties expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey for their attention to the development of interstate dialogue and emphasized that the meetings of the joint Commission are an effective platform for discussing topical issues of bilateral cooperation.

The participants of the meeting noted the positive dynamics of trade between the two countries. Energy, trade, investment, banking, transport and logistics, urban development and agriculture were named as priorities for cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in the oil and gas sector. Further steps were outlined within the framework of joint work this year.

During the meeting, the heads of the relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan and Turkey got familiarized with economic indicators and discussed the implementation of measures envisaged by the work plan for the past period.

They also considered the possibilities of intensifying contacts in the fields of science and education, healthcare, tourism, and environmental protection.

During the meeting, the importance of continuing an active dialogue within the framework of bilateral and multilateral events organized both in Turkmenistan and Turkey was noted.

Following the meeting, a final protocol was signed.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a bilateral meeting of the Vice-Chairman Nokerguly Atagulyev with Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz was also held. The parties highly appreciated the current level of bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, which is primarily facilitated by regular and trusting dialogue at the highest political level.

Particular emphasis was placed on the practical implementation of previously reached agreements between the two countries.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the pace of development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.