Key issues of bilateral partnership were discussed by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a telephone conversation last Thursday, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

 As the leader of the nation emphasized, Turkmenistan pays great attention to strengthening and expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan, which is becoming ever deeper.  A significant role in this is played by regular contacts at the highest and high levels.

 The President of Turkmenistan thanked Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the government delegation of our country headed by Vice-Chairman Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who recently paid a working visit to Uzbekistan.  Within the framework of this visit, a number of productive meetings were held with Uzbek colleagues in priority areas of bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic sphere and other areas.

  As the heads of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan emphasized, the effectiveness of the Turkmen-Uzbek dialogue is due to the common interests and the presence of a strong political will to deepen cooperation in all its areas.

 In this context, it was also noted that Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are distinguished by the similarity or coincidence of approaches to current international and regional problems, which is an important prerequisite for joining efforts to ensure sustainable development and stability in the region.  Pursuing a peaceful foreign policy, our countries play a special role in maintaining peace and harmony in Central Asia, which is of great importance in the light of the rapidly changing situation in the region and beyond.

 It was emphasized that the accumulated experience of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership is now being enriched in accordance with the new realities and objective needs of the development of the two states.  At the same time, the parties reaffirmed their determination to continue taking the necessary steps to successfully realize the huge potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.