Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the first foreign visit of Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan’s new President, precisely to Russia emphasizes the special nature of relations between the two countries at a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart in Kremlin on Friday.
"Welcome to Russia, we are very happy that you are paying your first foreign state visit precisely to our country, this once again stresses the special nature of our relations," Putin said, adding that he was very glad to see the Turkmen leader in Moscow.
The Russian president underscored that largely thanks to the efforts of ex-Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Serdar’s father, interaction between both countries advanced "indeed to a strategic level."
"I would like to ask you to convey the best wishes to the previous president, my good old friend, naturally, wishing him success and good health," the Russian leader concluded.
The Russian leader noted that relations between Russia and Turkmenistan are truly strategic. "We are developing relations along all trajectories, and it is very pleasant to note that they are indeed strategic, not formally but in essence," Putin stressed.
"Today we will also sign a very important document that concerns the development of our relations," the Russian leader added. "A very big job" is being done within the framework of President Berdymukhamedov’s visit, he stressed. "I am sure that in addition to the declaration that we are signing today, this whole set of joint work will of course benefit the development of our relations," he summed up.
Putin reiterated that trade turnover between the two countries decreased slightly during the pandemic. "However today, in spite of all external difficulties, we saw a growth of over 40% in the first quarter [of 2022], which is major progress," Putin stressed.
Putin has also accepted Berdymukhamedov's invitation to visit Turkmenistan. "Thank you, I will certainly use this opportunity," the head of state said in reply.
At the end of the part of negotiations open to the media Berdymukhamedov said that Ashgabat attached great importance to cooperation with Moscow.
"I would like to use this occasion to invite you to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan at any convenient moment," he added. Berdymukhamedov thanked Putin for the warm reception and hospitality.
On March 15, Turkmenistan’s Central Election Commission said Serdar Berdimuhamedov had won the early presidential election, held on March 12, collecting 72.97% of the votes. Previously, the country was led by his father, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. This visit to Russia is President Serdar Berdymukhamedov’s first official trip abroad since taking office.
