The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is on a two-day visit to Minsk

During the negotiations with the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, underlined that he is once again pleased to welcome the high Turkmen guest to Belarus. He was also pleased to note that he enjoyed visiting Turkmenistan. “I’m always astonished by the sights in Ashgabat and we’re gradually borrowing the best ideas from you. We’re also ready to share our advanced experience with you,” said Mr. Lukashenko.


The President of Belarus emphasised the importance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s arrival in Minsk. He noted that the negotiations will tackle bilateral collaboration, as well as our place in the world and the way it influences the Belarusian-Turkmen relations. Discussions will cover issues of what else should be done to overcome any negative issues’. The Belarusian Head of State drew attention to the difficult international situation. “We are the states that depend on the world situation: some more than others.”

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reminded the audience that Belarus and Turkmenistan are united by a large project — the construction of the potash fertiliser mining and processing factory. “This is a colossal project. I believe it will bring economic dividends to us in the future,” said the President of Turkmenistan, adding that potash fertilisers are in demand in the agro-industrial complex, as well as in many other spheres.

Belarus is ready to take part in the implementation of programmes dealing with the development of Turkmenistan’s agriculture and processing industry, alongside joint designing of railway infrastructure. This was confirmed by the President of Belarus during his speech. Mr Lukashenko also noted that Turkmenistan, including Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, pays great attention to the development of transport networks. “The Joint design of the railway infrastructure in Turkmenistan and corresponding personnel training will enable you to independently solve complex technical tasks and we’re ready to support you in this. We have opportunities to take part in the construction of the Turkmen highways, including subcontracts,” the Head of State assured his visitor.

Mr. Lukashenko stressed that there are several key areas in the Minsk-Ashgabat partnership which give strength to bilateral ties. Primarily, this is the construction of the Garlyk mining and processing factory which stimulates the development of other areas.

Mr. Lukashenko called the supplies of Belarusian machinery among the most significant areas of mutually beneficially collaboration. For many years, Belarusian machine builders have been exporting tractors and trucks, specially adjusted to Turkmen climatic conditions, to Turkmenistan. “We’re keen to restore these to their previous volumes,” asserted the Belarusian President. Moreover, Belarus and Turkmenistan are jointly implementing a high-tech project to produce unmanned aerial vehicles in the Turkmen region.

“Our countries have secured tangible accomplishments in R&D liaisons. The high-tech project to begin the production of unmanned aerial vehicles in Turkmenistan is being jointly implemented. We suggest putting more efforts into this area,” said Mr. Lukashenko, reminding the audience that a new UAV line-up was shown during the National Exhibition of Belarus in Ashgabat in December 2015.

Tackling humanitarian areas of collaboration, the President of Turkmenistan thanked the Belarusians for the preparation of highly-qualified staff among Turkmen young people in Belarusian universities. Belarus and Turkmenistan have similar positions in the international arena, noted Alexander Lukashenko, as he met the President of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen Head of State agreed that both countries are similar in that they share the necessity of ensuring stability and security in the whole world.

Mr. Berdimuhamedov thanked Mr. Lukashenko for participation in the Neutrality Policy: International Co-operation for Peace, Security and Development international conference in Turkmenistan in December 2015 and highly praised his involvement in this forum. The Turkmen delegation proposed an international initiative dealing with the issues of developing transit transport corridors. The UN General Assembly has adopted a corresponding resolution. This year, a thematic international forum will be held in Turkmenistan, where Mr. Berdimuhamedov invited the Belarusian leader.

The President of Turkmenistan thanked Alexander Lukashenko for his invitation to come to Belarus on an official visit and expressed confidence that this visit will facilitate the strengthening of long-term and mutually beneficial co-operation between the two states. The two leaders discussed in detail the state and prospects for Belarusian-Turkmen co-operation across all areas of mutual interest.

Furthermore, Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Berdimuhamedov also took part in the opening ceremony of a complex of Turkmen embassy buildings in Belarus.

After the negotiations, the presidents signed a joint statement, aimed at further strengthening mutually beneficially Belarusian-Turkmen co-operation. A range of other bilateral documents was also signed in the presence of both leaders. In line with established tradition, the President of Turkmenistan planted a tree at the Alley of Honorary Guests near the Independence Palace.