Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 16 July, the 18th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific-Technical, and Cultural Cooperation took place in Tashkent.

The event was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Atdayev. It was attended by heads of ministries, departments, industry associations, and regional administrations from both countries.

During constructive exchanges of views, the current state of bilateral cooperation was discussed, progress in implementing existing agreements was reviewed, and promising directions for further developing multifaceted relations were outlined.

Emphasis was placed on the positive attitude towards strengthening and developing long-term mutually beneficial bilateral relations, facilitated by constructive dialogue and trust between the leaders of the two countries.

Positive dynamics in expanding trade and economic cooperation were noted. Over the past 5 years, trade volumes have doubled, surpassing the US$1 billion mark by the end of last year. At the same time, the importance of fully utilizing the potential, including through the establishment of Uzbek-Turkmen border trade zones, was underscored.

The parties discussed current issues related to expanding industrial cooperation in chemical, automotive, and electrical industries, as well as measures to develop such forms of cooperation as the Regional Forum, meetings of the Uzbek-Turkmen Business Council, and trade-industrial exhibitions, which serve as effective platforms for deepening interaction between the business communities of our countries.

Separate discussions focused on prospects for cooperation in transport and logistics, aiming to enhance transport connectivity between the two countries. In this context, opportunities for Turkmenistan to join existing and planned multimodal transport corridors were considered, along with measures to simplify visa procedures for participants in international transportation through the territories of both states.

The parties also discussed prospects for increasing cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Priority areas include creating joint educational programs, training personnel in agriculture and water management, exchanging teachers and students, as well as developing new initiatives to promote tourism.

Following the meeting, the parties signed the Final Protocol of the 18th Meeting of the Joint Commission and agreements that open up new opportunities for mutual supply of in-demand goods and services.