POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD BETWEEN THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TURKMENISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA

On June 23, 2022, political consultations were held in Ashgabat between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs B.G. Myatiev, the delegation of Saudi Arabia - by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Abdulkareem El-Khereiji.

During the consultations, the parties discussed key aspects of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as current international issues.

It was noted with satisfaction that Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia are developing a wide and multi-level political and diplomatic dialogue on strengthening regional and world stability, countering such challenges and threats as terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other types of illegal activities, are stepping up joint efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, the importance of mutual support within the framework of major international organizations, primarily the UN, was emphasized. It was noted that Saudi Arabia invariably supports the international initiatives of Turkmenistan and is a co-author of many of them. In turn, Turkmenistan also provides support to Saudi Arabia, including on a number of draft resolutions of the General Assembly put forward by this country, as well as in the nomination of Saudi candidates to various UN structures.

A separate topic of discussion was the creation and development of the necessary conditions for attracting investment in various sectors of the economy of Turkmenistan, the implementation of promising infrastructure projects, and industrial cooperation. In particular, it was noted that there are great opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in such areas as petrochemistry and gas chemistry. In this regard, the value of the accumulated experience of cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Saudi Fund for Development was noted.

The parties stressed the importance of further developing cultural and scientific ties, continuing the traditions of holding mutual Days of Culture, and expanding the humanitarian dialogue between the two fraternal peoples.

At the consultations, it was especially emphasized that the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, preparations for which are currently in full swing, will serve as a powerful impetus for the strengthening and qualitative enrichment of bilateral ties.

Then the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov.

During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral relations, as well as on the regional and global agenda. It was noted that Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia are making a great positive contribution to ensuring peace and stability in Central Asia and the Middle East, are pursuing a responsible and far-sighted line aimed at normalizing and stabilizing global processes. The interlocutors agreed to continue the political and diplomatic dialogue, close cooperation in determining approaches to topical issues of world politics.

The head of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry informed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia that Turkmenistan had decided to support the candidacy of Saudi Arabia as the venue for the World Expo 2030 and was ready to assist in the preparation of this important global event.