Friendly and fraternal relations aimed at great achievements
In the Prosperous Epoch of the Powerful State, great progress has been made in all spheres in our Homeland, which is full with glorious dates and rich historical events. In particular, a number of programs are being implemented on issues such as further enhancing the system of international relations and strengthening close relations with different countries of the world. An example of this is the visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kasym-Yomart Tokayev, to our country on a state visit and the discussion of important issues between the two countries.
At present, important tasks have been set in the centuries-old Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation which has its origins in fraternal, good-neighbourly relations, common historical roots and friendly ties connected with a language, spiritual traditions. A number of bilateral programs are being implemented to develop effective cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, in the fields of culture, tourism and sports. Particular attention is paid to the importance of intensifying trade and economic relations between the two Caspian states, the implementation of existing opportunities, the increase of the volume of mutual trade, investment activities, establishment of effective relations among business groups. This is due to the fact that cooperation in this area is very important, such as the transport and communications sector, which is due to the favourable location and transit opportunities of neighbouring countries.
During a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamini, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that our countries had great potential for the development of trade and economic relations, stressed the importance of the work of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Kazak Group for science, technology and cultural cooperation in defining new prospects of interstate relations.
As noted by the President, the development of bilateral relations is based on the principles of ancient brotherhood and mutual respect of the Turkmen and Kazakh peoples. The commitment of the two countries to the principles of peace-loving and humanitarian relations in international relations is a positive basis for the development of the principles of close relations within the framework of authoritative international structures, mutual understanding on key issues of global and regional development.
At present, new joint projects aimed at the full realization of the huge economic and financial potential of neighbouring countries, including the implementation of tasks in the field of gas chemistry, are being developed within the framework of the development of bilateral relations, including within the Commonwealth of Independent States. It is also the construction of the North-South International Railway and the modern Turkmenbashi-Kazakhstan highway, which will allow to increase the volume of trade, passenger and freight traffic between the two neighbouring countries in the near future.
The Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan also establishes strategic relations based on equality, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral cooperation in line with the modern requirements and potential of Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation is taking a qualitatively new level.
In recent years, the two countries have attached great importance to energy and transport cooperation. This is vividly evidenced by the successful implementation of the projects on the construction of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. They are of great importance not only at the regional level, but also internationally. In this regard, it is noteworthy that two relevant resolutions on energy and transport have been adopted by the UN General Assembly on the basis of our country’s initiatives.
Close bilateral relations, active cooperation on the international arena, implementation of joint structural projects in the field of transport and energy is a clear evidence of the establishment of high-level cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, the positive solutions of regional issues, the achievement of overall progress and stability by our peoples and countries.
The energy sector is of strategic importance in Turkmen-Kazakh relations. In this regard, the parties have already gained experience in close cooperation in the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline project. Given the current state of affairs, new opportunities are opening up for the development of relations in this important area. “Energy and transport are important areas of bilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are leading the way in terms of energy production on the continent. We have outlined our common views on the intensification of energy and transport flows in Europe and Central Asia. This is the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline passing through Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway.”
Cooperation between the two countries in the transport sector plays an important role in their successful economic development and integration into the system of global relations. One of the concrete results is the construction of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. This railway has become an important part of the formation of modern transport infrastructure and will allow to bring the economic and trade relations between the countries of Central Asia and neighbouring regions to a qualitatively new level, and to develop interregional cooperation for the long term.
In addition to other areas, bilateral cooperation in the energy and transport sectors contributes to the strengthening of friendly and fraternal relations with our neighbouring country, the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In conclusion, I wish our esteemed President long life and great success in his endeavors aimed at stability, friendship and goodwill in the world.
Gaygysyz KERIMOV,
3rd Year Student of the
Faculty of International Journalism of the
Institute of International Relations of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan