INTER-MFA CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD ON THE LEVEL OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF TURKMENISTAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

On the 26th of January 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held inter-MFA consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei. 

During the meeting, the Ministers discussed present issues of bilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The importance of high-level contacts which contribute to strengthening of interstate ties was highlighted.   

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the results of collaboration in regional and international structures, the UN, OSCE, CIS and others. The cooperation in the framework of the CIS was highlighted that serves as an efficient platform for wide range partnership.  In this regard, the importance of the events planned for next year was noted.  The year 2021 was declared as the Year of Architecture and Urban Development in the CIS upon the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan.     

The efficiency of cooperation between the external policy agencies of the two countries was underlined. The meetings between the heads and representatives of the MFAs of two counties take place regularly, presently via videoconferencing. The parties analyzed the state of legal base of bilateral relations and exchanged views concerning its enhancement.

The diplomats discussed the level of trade and economic ties, which are among the main constituents of bilateral agenda.  The significance of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Belarusian Commission for Economic Cooperation was emphasized that holds the key position from the perspective of developing the trade, investment and industry cooperation. In this context, the role of the trading houses of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Belarus was stated, the work of which are aimed at the increase and expansion of the range of Turkmen and Belarusian goods at the markets of two countries. 

At the meeting, the Ministers paid special attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the main component of which is education. Turkmen students continue to acquire higher education in a number of higher education institutions of the Republic of Belarus.

The parties noted the practicality of continuing scientific, art and cultural contacts taking into consideration the present conditions. The opportunities of expanding cooperation and exchange of experience in the area of healthcare and medicine were considered.    

Upon the outcomes of the talks, the Ministers signed the “Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus for 2021-2022”.