Mohammad Reza Aref met with Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, this morning (Monday) on the sidelines of the Third Caspian Sea Economic Conference, and emphasized, referring to the serious priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran for developing relations with neighboring countries: Turkmenistan has a special place in this strategy, and the Supreme Leader expressed the best explanation for the development of Tehran-Ashgabat relations that Iran and Turkmenistan are, in addition to being neighbors, two related countries.
Referring to the diplomatic and political exchanges and exchanges between the two countries’ top leaders, Aref noted: There is no limit to the promotion of Tehran-Ashgabat relations, and we hope that the memorandums of understanding and negotiations carried out during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Iran will be implemented and finalized as soon as possible.
The First Vice President added: It is proposed that trade exchanges between the two countries be expanded and that deepening trade and economic relations with a focus on the private sector and facilitation by the governments of both sides be put on the agenda.
Aref also emphasized the development of relations in the fields of energy, transportation, transit, and tourism development, given the cultural and civilizational commonalities of the two countries, and considered the holding of the Caspian Summit a very appropriate and strategic opportunity to expand economic relations between the countries bordering the Caspian Sea and also to promote bilateral cooperation, and said: At the Caspian Sea Economic Conference in Tehran, the development of relations between the countries bordering this sea in the fields of trade, economy, environment, tourism, and investment will be examined and implemented.
The First Vice President also emphasized the need to hold regular meetings of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan.
Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, also conveyed warm and sincere greetings from the National Leader and the President of Turkmenistan, and emphasized in this meeting: The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the largest and best neighboring countries of Turkmenistan, and we attach serious priority to promoting cooperation in various fields with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He added: Diplomatic visits between officials of the two countries, in addition to creating great opportunities, contribute significantly to the expansion of industrial, production, investment and trade cooperation.
Referring to the importance of increasing the good and current trade turnover between the two countries, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan stated: The Islamic Republic of Iran is a priority, strategic, long-term and forward-looking economic partner of Turkmenistan.
He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold the Third Caspian Economic Conference and expressed his hope that the results of multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the Caspian region will lead to improved welfare of the people of the countries bordering the Caspian Sea.