Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Uzbek President Islam Karimov have said that their views on many international and regional issues coincide.

Speaking at an official welcoming party in honour of Islam Karimov’s visit to Turkmenistan on 18 October, shown on Turkmen TV the same day, the Turkmen leader spoke in favour of boosting economic cooperation.

"The talks we held today with Islam Abduganiyevich [Karimov] on a wide-ranging issues, have once again confirmed our common stance and views on many international and regional problems. We also share the same view in the fact that all-round development of economic cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, mutual advantage and non-interference in each others’ internal affairs are the most effective ways which will lead to peace, stability of the people who live in this region. I am glad to meet you, to have this opportunity for exchanging views and listen to the advice of such an experienced and wise politician like you, Mr Islam Abduganiyevich," Berdimuhamedow said.

"I propose a toast to the health of our respected friend, Islam Abduganiyevich. I wish peace, well-being and happiness to the brotherly Uzbek people under his leadership. To eternal friendship between our peoples," the Turkmen leader said in his speech.

President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan said that his visit was a chance to share the happiness of "close friends’" for their achievements.

"We view this visit as another chance to be among close friends, rejoice together with you for great reforms taking place in your country, the growth of economic might and reputation of Turkmenistan on the international arena. Together with the leadership of Turkmenistan, we are drawing up future plans for dynamic development and reinforcement of mutually beneficial and long-term relations for the welfare of our peoples," Karimov said.

Common historic roots, religion, culture and language create favourable conditions for boosting bilateral relations, he added.

Karimov also reiterated that the sides’ stance on many international and regional issues coincided. "I have got a very reliable friend in the person of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow," he said in conclusion.