Telephone conversation between the Presidents of Turkmenistan and India

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind had a telephone conversation.

Cordially greeting each other, the leaders of the two countries expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss key issues of traditionally friendly interstate relations based on the principles of mutual respect and trust, as well as long-standing historical ties rooted in the depths of centuries.

Expressing sincere gratitude to President Ram Nath Kovind for the attention paid to the development of fruitful Turkmen-Indian dialogue, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that our countries actively developed cooperation not only in a bilateral format, but also through international structures. That is vividly proved by the mutual support of constructive proposals put forward within the framework of authoritative organizations on a regional and global scale.

According to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is grateful to India for the continued support of its neutral status and international initiatives aimed at ensuring global peace, security and building an effective partnership on sustainable development.

During the conversation, it was emphasized that the high level of the Turkmen-Indian relations was embodied in strengthening trade and economic ties. In this context, the energy sector was specified as a priority vector of cooperation, where the partnership in frames of the large-scale project on construction of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India stands as a vivid example.

It was noted that due to joint efforts, significant work is carried out in this direction, important documents are signed, systematic steps are taken to address the set tasks. The successful implementation of this significant project will certainly give a powerful impetus to the economic development of the participating countries, creation of new jobs, construction of social and industrial infrastructure, and will attract large external investments.

All of this will contribute to raising the level and quality of life of people. In this regard, they expressed confidence that in the near future, joint work on the implementation of the TAPI project would bring tangible results.

During the telephone conversation, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the solid potential for diversifying economic cooperation, taking into account the course for industrialization taken by our country.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan was ready to provide Indian companies with the necessary support in the implementation of investment projects and invited them to consider the possibility of creating joint high-tech industries in such areas as agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, light industry, production of building materials based on local raw materials.

It is noteworthy that our countries already have a positive experience of such a partnership. Speaking about this, the President of Turkmenistan focused on the Turkmen-Indian joint venture “Türkmenderman Ajanta Farma Limited” as a concrete example, proposing to consider the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Emphasizing that Turkmenistan and India have ancient traditions and rich historical heritage, the interlocutors called for further strengthening fruitful cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including through various cultural events, such as the Days of Culture, exhibitions, festivals, and creative exchanges.

Great importance is also attached to promotion of scientific and educational contacts. Along with this, the importance of developing cooperation and sharing experience at the inter-parliamentary level was underlined.

During the conversation, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ram Nath Kovind also dwelt upon the coronavirus pandemic. Noting that the global spread of COVID-19 poses a threat to all countries and requires collective response based on solidarity and new approaches to multilateral cooperation, the Turkmen leader expressed confidence that mutual support and joint efforts would contribute to achieving success in the fight against coronavirus infection.

The interlocutors also noted that high-level visits and negotiations played a special role in the development of Turkmen-Indian relations, building up bilateral ties with a long-term perspective.

Underlining that Turkmenistan considers India as a sincere friend and reliable partner, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited President Ram Nath Kovind to pay an official visit to our country at a convenient for him time.

At the end of the telephone conversation, the parties expressed best wishes to each other and the peoples of both countries.