On 10-13 October 2024, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to Turkmenistan.
This is the first state visit of the head of Mongolia to Turkmenistan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 23 April 1992,
On October 12, high-level talks were held in Ashgabat between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Then the heads of state spoke at a press conference.
During his stay in Ashgabat, the Mongolian leader met with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, and also took part in the international forum “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the basis of peace and development” dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi.
Following the summit talks, a package of documents was signed and a joint statement was adopted.
Summit talks
At the beginning of the negotiations, the Presidents met in a narrow format.
During the conversation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted Turkmenistan’s commitment to the consistent development of cooperation with Mongolia in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, close cooperation within the framework of major international organizations.
As noted, the content of Turkmen-Mongolian relations is characterized by full mutual understanding both in terms of priorities and prospects of bilateral partnership and trends in global development. The most important factor in this is the proximity or coincidence of approaches to the problems of ensuring universal stability and security, countering modern threats.
Thanking for the warm welcome, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa also emphasized that the current historic summit talks will give new impetus to closer cooperation between friendly states in all spheres.
The Mongolian leader noted the great potential for the development of interstate dialogue, which is of a mutually respectful and constructive nature and fully meets the interests of the two friendly peoples.
Negotiations in an expanded format
Speaking at the meeting in an expanded format, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the opportunities for the consistent and steady rapprochement of two countries, the establishment of strong bonds of friendship and mutually beneficial equal cooperation.
He pointed out that this approach is evident in major international forums, particularly at the United Nations, where the countries demonstrate strong support for each other. Notably, Mongolia has co-sponsored 15 UN resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan, while Turkmenistan has co-sponsored 5 resolutions authored by Mongolia.
The Head of Turkmenistan noted the need to move to a systematic political dialogue and diplomatic interaction, to ensure a structural and substantive agenda for this.
In particular, he highlighted the transport system in the context of the creation of the East-West transport, transit and logistics corridor. “Turkmenistan, being one of the initiators of this strategic project, proceeds from the fact that it is designed to revive the economic, practical and cultural foundations of the Great Silk Road on modern principles, give impetus to partnership in Eurasia, and ensure the involvement of many states in these processes,” the President of Turkmenistan said.
Berdimuhamedov stressed that the two friendly countries could actively contribute to solving a range of issues related to access to the sea, and invited Mongolia to explore the use of the Central Asian corridor and the Caspian Sea region to promote its export opportunities.
“We are ready to consider the use of Turkmenistan’s port facilities on the Caspian Sea in the interests of Mongolia,” the Head of state stressed.
The prospects of mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector were also noted.
“Our country is ready to consider options for involving Mongolia as one of the participants in the supply of energy resources from Turkmenistan in the eastern direction,” Berdimuhamedov said.
He stressed that Turkmenistan has opportunities to supply products of the fuel and energy complex, a wide range of oil and gas chemistry products to Mongolia.
“In general, we support the establishment of a large-scale and diverse trade partnership between Turkmenistan and Mongolia. Here we have reasonable hopes for cooperation through business structures and business associations,” the head of Turkmenistan stressed.
Turkmenistan is ready to encourage the activities of Mongolian companies in the country, he added. In this regard, it was proposed to consider in the near future the establishment of a Turkmen-Mongolian joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation.
As noted, parliamentary cooperation should take its due place in the relations between the two countries. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan welcomed the establishment of parliamentary Friendship Groups in Turkmenistan and Mongolia, expressing confidence that they will become an important element of the interstate dialogue.
The Head of State highly appreciated the participation of Mongolian President in the International Forum “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development” dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi.
In turn, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa stressed that one of the goals of Mongolia’s foreign policy is to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan.
He expressed confidence that, thanks to mutual efforts, the political dialogue between the two countries will continue to expand steadily.
Emphasizing the importance of interparliamentary ties, Khurelsukh proposed to create a bilateral Friendship Group in the parliaments of the two countries and begin mutual visits, exchanges of delegations within the framework of developing cooperation between the Great Hural and the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.
The importance of continuing the established mechanism of interaction between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries and holding political consultations was also noted.
Having fully supported the proposal of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to establish a joint Intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, the head of Mongolia expressed confidence that its activities would lead to concrete results and serve to strengthen trade and economic relations.
According to Khurelsukh, intergovernmental agreements on air and international road transport will create favorable conditions for the development of cooperation between the two countries in the transport and logistics sector and the expansion of trade relations.
He emphasized the need to boost trade and expand the range of goods exchanged. Mongolia could export wool, cashmere, leather, meat, and related products. The upcoming signing of agreements on agriculture, veterinary medicine, and animal husbandry will play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral trade.
President Khurelsukh also stressed the importance of the business forum held in Ashgabat for the first time, which will lay the foundation for establishing close contacts between entrepreneurs and manufacturers of the two countries.
According to the head of Mongolia, there are great opportunities for expanding the tourist flow, because the two countries are famous for their nature, historical and cultural monuments, and unique places.
Special attention was focused on the need to develop educational and cultural cooperation between Mongolia and Turkmenistan. It was proposed to establish contacts between educational, scientific and cultural institutions, universities, scientists of the two countries.
Speaking about the importance of joint research and popularization of the intangible cultural heritage, the Turkmen side was invited to participate in the annual World Cultural Festival “Nomad” held in Mongolia.
Taking the opportunity, Khurelsukh invited Berdimuhamedov to visit Mongolia at any convenient time.
The invitation was gratefully accepted.
Documents signed
At the end of the negotiations, a ceremony of signing bilateral documents took place. The Heads of state adopted a Joint statement on interstate relations and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Mongolia.
The following documents were signed:
– Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Mongolia on air transport;
This Intergovernmental Agreement will allow airlines from the two countries to operate direct and commercial flights. For Mongolia, it will open up the possibility of becoming a transit hub for new flights to Central Asia. This will create conditions for expanding and developing relations and cooperation between the two countries and people-to-people ties in all areas, particularly tourism, trade, and the economy.
– Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Mongolia on international road transport;
Under this Agreement, vehicles registered in Mongolia and Turkmenistan will be able to transport goods and passengers between the two countries and through their territories, as well as to and from third countries. This will enable Mongolian carriers to choose more direct routes for transit to other countries, reducing travel time compared to current routes. Furthermore, the Agreement will play a crucial role in developing cooperation between the two countries in the road transport sector, establishing new directions in transportation and logistics, facilitating relations between citizens and businesses of the two countries, and expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation.
– Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia on cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine and animal husbandry;
Under this Agreement, the two parties will facilitate the trade of livestock and animal products within their territories, prevent and combat livestock diseases, protect animal health, and cooperate in veterinary hospitals and livestock husbandry to boost the livestock sector. Additionally, it provides opportunities for pertinent organizations of the two countries to exchange information and experiences on veterinary science, disease surveillance, and control measures in the livestock sector. Furthermore, the two parties expressed mutual commitment to supporting each other in organizing meetings for livestock specialists, veterinarians, and scientists, as well as in training and capacity-building initiatives.
– Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia on cooperation in the field of food and agriculture;
Under the Agreement, the two sides will collaborate on the digitalization of agriculture, the introduction of modern innovations and technologies into agricultural production, the establishment of joint enterprises for the production and processing of agricultural products, the development of animal husbandry and livestock production, organic agriculture, and the expansion of cooperation in crop farming, particularly in food production and the fruit and berry sectors.
– Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia on cultural cooperation;
Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will cooperate in order to promote mutual understanding between the cultures and peoples of the two countries by organizing exhibitions, film screenings, conducting joint research in the field of heritage protection and restoration of intangible cultural heritage.
– Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia on Tourism;
This document will make a significant contribution to the popularization of tourism among the citizens of Mongolia and Turkmenistan, countries rich in historical and cultural monuments and unique natural landscapes. The memorandum will also help strengthen ties between public and private organizations dealing with tourism issues.
– Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia.
The memorandum aims to expand trade and economic ties between enterprises and organizations of the two countries, exchange information and experience. The document creates opportunities for establishing links between entrepreneurs and industrialists.