Vice-premier, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov has taken part in the second session of India Central Asia Dialog, which was held in video conference format.Foreign Ministers of Kazkahstan Mukhtar Teluberdy, the Kyrgyz Republic Ruslan Kazakbayev, the Republic of Tajikistan Sirdjiddin Muhriddin and the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov have also taken part in online meeting held under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Atmar took part in the meeting as a special guest.
The sides have discussed the most topical directions of cooperation and exchanged the views on regional and international matters, which present mutual interest. Special focus has been made on expansion of the partnership with the UN and other international structures.
Firm commitment of the policy of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to cooperation in implementation of the UN global counterterrorism strategy has been noted under India Central Asia dialog, which priority is to support regional security.
Decisive position of our country in promotion of peaceful process in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan including support of social and economic restoration of neighboring state has also been highlighted. Turkmenistan stands for implementation of diplomatic and political instruments only for achievement of stabilization in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Construction of Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India gas line, fiber optic line and railroads to the territory of Afghanistan as well as importance of transit corridors using road, railroad and maritime transport and infrastructure have been emphasized. These projects are to support the strengthening of trade and economic relations on Eurasian space.
In this aspect, the ministers have welcomed the participation of Afghan side in India Central Asia dialog and expressed interest in strengthening of cooperation for development and economic restoration of Afghanistan.
Development of transport and transit potential of Central Asian countries and India including the promotion of joint initiatives for establishment of regional and international transport corridors has been reviewed.
The sides have discussed cooperation in such spheres as energy, petrochemical industry, transport, communication, high technologies and agriculture.Interest in further expansion of trade and economic cooperation including in intensification of direct contacts between business circles of India and Central Asian countries has been expressed.
In this context, the ministers have welcomed the foundation of India Central Asia Business Council in New Delhi in February 2020.
Discussing relations in humanitarian sphere, it was noted that our countries are connected with common historical and cultural values. Special focus has been made on organization of joint educational and cultural events.