Official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the State of Kuwait by the invitation of the Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has started.The visit of Turkmen leader to this Arabic country in south-western Asia indicates high-level of the interstate political dialog established recently, which is based on traditional relations of friendship and mutual understanding.
Active cooperation of Turkmenistan with the Olympic Committee of Asia, which headquarter is located in Kuwait, indicated by the triumph of V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat in 2017, is a bright symbol of such trustful partnership.
Concerning the economies of two states, they have both similar and complementary features.While Kuwait is known by its oil deposits, which make almost one tenth of total world reserves, Turkmenistan is famous by its colossal gas resources taking the forth place in the world by volumes.
Both countries diversify the industry where oil processing and petro chemistry, production of construction materials, fertilizers and electrical energy occupy leading positions.Such scientifically based branches as electronic industry and other started to be developed with the improvement of education quality.
Practically total absence of the agriculture in Kuwait due to the climate (excluding some livestock farming) causing the country to import many food items can be related to complementary moments.
This is perspective sale market and promising trade channel for Turkmenistan with its developed agricultural complex and rapidly growing export potential.Besides economic interests, Turkmenistan and Kuwait are similar by their role of the peace-making countries in its regions that successfully take mediation efforts in regulation of various conflicts between other states under the UN support for peaceful solution of the disputes and provide its territory as a negotiation ground for conflicting sides.
Upholding the interests of peace and stability, Turkmenistan and Kuwait make input to the provision of universal security, establishment of new mechanisms of trade and economic collaboration as the alternative to discrepancies and doing so, they have gained big authority in diplomacy in international organizations and in the United Nations.
In the morning, the Head of Turkmenistan left Ashgabat International Airport where he has been seen off by the officials.After, two and half hours, the aircraft of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has landed in Kuwait International Airport, which was decorated by the State Flags of two countries on occasion of the arrival of high-rank guest.
Soldiers of the Guard of Honour were lined up at the ramp.Boys and girls presented the flowers to the President of Turkmenistan.The Head of the State was met by the officials in the airport.
From the airport, the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan went to the Congress Centre of the Bayan Palace of the Emir of the State of Kuwait.The official welcome ceremonies of the President of Turkmenistan with all due honours took place at the square in front of the palace.
Upon arrival, Turkmen leader was welcomed by the Emir of the State of Kuwait.After, the Heads of two countries went to special place in from of the State Flags.
Soldiers of the Guard of Honour were lined up at the square.National anthems of Turkmenistan and Kuwait were played.After, the members of the official delegation of Kuwait were introduced to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and members of Turkmenistan delegation to the Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
After, extended meeting of the delegations of both countries took place in the Big Session Hall of the Congress Centre.The Emir of the State of Kuwait noted that current visit of Turkmen leader is considered as remarkable event in the history of bilateral relation and opens new chapter in the cooperation of our friendly states.
Current meeting will allow defining the ways of better relations in different spheres and expanding the frames of cooperation in order to serve to common interests of Kuwait and Turkmenistan people as well as joining the efforts in solution of the most important issues of international agenda that present mutual interest.
The confidence that the talks, which are held in cordial atmosphere reflecting the spirit of understanding and friendship of the interstate relations, would be an important step in the intent of both countries to activate the partnership in all areas has been expressed.
Having expressed the gratitude to the Emir of the State of Kuwait for the invitation to this beautiful country and for warm welcome, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan pays great importance to wide development of friendly relations with Kuwait that occupies important place among the Middle East states, having highlighted that such relations are based in common spiritual values and historical and cultural backgrounds of our countries and nations.
It can be stated with the confidence that Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait have started new stage of further expansion and brining of bilateral cooperation to higher level, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, having expressed the opinion that current visit and negotiations have historical significance for future cooperation.
We pay great attention to joint efforts meeting the interests of the world community under the UN in the development of cooperation on international level.In this regard, the Head of the State addressed the Emir of Kuwait with sincere gratitude for the support of international initiatives proposed by Turkmenistan including the proposals on energy security and transport and transit corridors uttered at the UN General Assembly sessions.
In its turn, our country supports the efforts of the State of Kuwait aimed at further development of cooperation and is willing to work fruitfully together to implement such efforts.
It was noted during the talks that joint activities in combating against modern challenges like international terrorism, illegal drug trafficking and organized crime are very important.Similarity and proximity of the positions on international and regional issues that present the interest for our countries gives ground for further efficient collaboration in political sphere.
Having made special mention of the importance of the development of our relations that reached high political level on the principles of mutual respect, trust and support, the sides have come to common understanding to have political consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait on regular basis.
Touching upon the subject of trade and economic relations, the Head of the State noted huge capabilities for their intensification both in the aspect of the expansion of national objectives and in the context of the tendencies of regional and global economy.
Having discussed mutual interest in the establishment of wide, long-term equal and beneficial cooperation, the Heads of Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait outlined fuel and energy sphere and processing industry among the key directions for exchange of the practices.
Opportunity of the cooperation with Kuwaiti oil and gas companies, investment and financial structures under the construction of Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India gas line has been reviewed.Besides, petroleum chemistry and oil processing facilities are also quite perspective fields for cooperation.
Betting on ready-made hydrocarbon production, Turkmenistan and Kuwait create technology sector of production, which is a wide field for exchange of advanced developments and know-hows.Specifying the measures for the development of the partnership, the sides noted the appropriateness of the foundation of Turkmen Kuwaiti Working Committee for Energy Industry.
Just discovered reserves of natural gas place Turkmenistan in the fourth position in the world by energy resources while continuing explorations of perspective fields are able to increase the energy potential of the country opening wide opportunities for cooperation in this sphere.
Having taken the diversification of the export routes as the main vector of its energy policy, Turkmenistan makes big contribution to the provision of global energy security.This is indicated by the TAPI gas line, which construction has been recently appreciated by the UN Security Council in its Resolution on Afghanistan, which also support other projects initiated by our country including in transport sphere.
Presence of the conditions for the development of transport and communication systems, which potential merging is able to be another priority direction of efficient cooperation has been mentioned in the aspect of favourable location of Turkmenistan and Kuwait in the regions.
Establishment of the partnership in entrepreneurship and creation of joint ventures based on joint investments in production sector have been highlighted during the talks.In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that good conditions were made in our country for the investment of foreign capital including reliable international legal basis.
Besides the branches mentioned above, Turkmenistan realizes the projects in such spheres as the metallurgy, textile industry, processing sphere and tourism.New perspective industries in our country, which are created in our country, are able to raise the interest of financial and industrial circles of Kuwait from the investment of innovative projects point of view.
Attraction to the participation in construction of the facilities of Avaza National tourist zone is among other potential directions.Taking into account these opportunities, it was proposed to establish joint working group for entrepreneurship relations as well as to hold bilateral trade and investment business forum and exhibition.
In this regard, Ashgabat is willing to undertake the organization and conduct of these events.The Emir of Kuwait also supported the idea of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the necessity of the establishment of intergovernmental committee, which would be able to review topical issues of cooperation in details, exchange the opinions and elaborate practical measures for the development of trade, economic and cultural relations between our countries.
Concerning humanitarian contacts, it is very important to establish close cooperation in such spheres as science and education, art and creativity.Having rich historical heritage, our nations carefully preserve its national traditions and culture.
Turkmenistan regularly conducts art festivals and scientific conferences where famous scientists and specialists from many countries take part.In this regard, the idea to organize Turkmen Kuwaiti Art Festival and to unite the Days of Culture of the countries has been expressed.
Cooperation in museum activity, conducting of joint scientific studies of historical and cultural science will present the interest for the specialists.After extended session, the Heads of the States had one-to-one talk, having discussed in details the subjects included to the agenda of current visit of Turkmenistan delegation to Kuwait that is taken by both sides as an important step toward bringing of beneficial relations to new level.
Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait have established diplomatic relations in 1995 and ever since it was developed and consolidated in many spheres.At present time, the dialog of two countries is characterized by high level of mutual understanding and trust.
Positive dynamics is inherent to Turkmen Kuwaiti contacts under the UN and other international structures.As it was noted by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Kuwait is one of the first who support the initiatives and proposals of Turkmenistan in the UN.
The visions of both states of international politics wither close or identical, which indicates the presence of the capabilities for further expansion of the consolidation of versatile partnership.Fuel and energy complex, investments, transport and communication, chemical and textile industry, agriculture and health protection, high technologies are the long-term perspective directions of cooperation between our states.
Turkmenistan declares of its willingness to further fruitful work with Kuwait for implementation of these projects in this and other spheres.In addition, our country is interested in share of the experience in such spheres as petrochemical and oil processing productions, transport and communication.
Activation of business relations would be considerably supported by the activity of Joint Interstate Committee, which formation has been discussed during extended session.Cultural and humanitarian cooperation based on common spiritual values and moral principles uniting both nations are another important direction of Turkmen - Kuwaiti relations.
Having confirmed the commitment of Turkmenistan to friendly relations with the State of Kuwait and expressed the confidence in further successful development of interstate relations for the sake of people of our countries, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov again expressed the gratitude to the Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for is personal attention to the development of bilateral cooperation.
Turkmen leader invited the Head of Kuwait to visit our country in any convenient time and wished him strong health and success in his responsible activity and happiness, wealth, peace and prosperity to the people of the State of Kuwait.
After, document-signing ceremony took place.Particularly, the following documents have been signed: The Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Kuwait on Establishment of Joint Turkmen Kuwaiti Committee for Cooperation;The Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Kuwait on cancellation of visa requirements for the holders of diplomatic and service/special passports;Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait; Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in beneficial direction of partnership between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait;Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Kuwait Fund of Arabic Economic Development;The Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Kuwait on economic and technical cooperation;The Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Kuwait on trade cooperation.In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern Turkmengaz and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Kuwait in art and cultural sphere have been signed.
The sides also adopted joint document of technical support between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Kuwait Fund of Arabic Economic Development.In the afternoon, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held the meetings with Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, Foreign Minister, Board Chairman of the Kuwait Fund of Arabic Economic Development Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as well as with Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Official visit of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the State of Kuwait is continued.