I welcoming remarks

Particular attention in this regard is placed on the situation
in neighboring Afghanistan. In this connection, it should be noted
that the approaches of the Turkmen and Uzbek sides to the
solution of the Afghan problem are similar. We are united in the
opinion that the settlement in Afghanistan is possible only by
peaceful, political means, on the basis of a broad national
dialogue. At the same time, we believe that the peacekeeping
potential of the international community, first of all the United
Nations, in Afghanistan should be used more actively and
broadly.
In addition to the issues of peace and security, our countries
are making joint efforts on such an important area of the global
agenda as sustainable development and its components - energy
security, development of international transport and transit
communications, ecology and environmental protection.
In the field of sustainable energy, the matter is primarily
about the participation of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the
implementation of large-scale energy projects in the region.
Among them, above all, it can be included the Turkmenistan-
Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline project with a
capacity of up to 25 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
In addition, there are promising areas of cooperation in the
framework of the project on the supply of electricity from Central
to South Asia along the route Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-
Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan.

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In the transport sphere, cooperation continues to create a
powerful and modern infrastructure that would ensure the
integration of transport systems in Central Asia, Europe and the
Middle East. In particular, Turkmenistan is ready to work
together to create a
corridor on the route Uzbekistan-
Turkmenistan-Caspian Sea-South Caucasus with access to the
Black Sea ports of Georgia, Turkey, Romania and other states. In
this regard, it is necessary to single out two large-scale projects
on construction of road and railway bridges across the Amu
Darya River, connecting the territories of Turkmenistan and the
Republic of Uzbekistan. The length of the automobile bridge is
1,600 meters, and the railway – 1,750 meters.
There is also an agreement on intensification of substantive
cooperation on the realization of the five-sided Agreement on the
establishment of an International Transport and Transit Corridor
from Central Asia to the countries of the Near and Middle East
signed in 2011 in Ashgabat, of which Turkmenistan and
Uzbekistan are parties.
As you can see, the potential for cooperation between
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the fuel and energy and
transport sectors is more in demand than ever - not only in the
regional context, but also in terms of economic advancement and
trade throughout the Asian continent. This was confirmed during
the Global Summit on Sustainable Transport taken place in
Ashgabat in November 2016 which emphasized the key
importance of Central Asia in this process. Turkmenistan and
Uzbekistan, as the countries that have taken a strategic course to
create a powerful energy and transport infrastructure, are called
upon to play a special role here.
A separate place in bilateral relations is given to
cooperation on environmental issues, in particular, further
strengthening and improving the activities of the International
Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), a significant regional
structure aimed at ensuring cooperation in improving the

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environmental and socio-economic situation in the Aral Sea area.
Having assumed the responsibilities of the country presiding in
the IFAS, Turkmenistan has developed a corresponding Concept
which reflects the priority plans for joint activities of the member
states of the Fund. In this regard, we hope for close cooperation
in this direction.
Today, relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
develop with the support of centuries-old traditions of good-
neighborliness, common history, language, culture, traditions and
customs. Having such a solid foundation, we are now confidently
formulating 
and 
implementing 
joint 
cooperation 
plans,
conducting a constructive, confidential dialogue on a variety of
issues.
Our states carry out equal, mutually beneficial cooperation
in the fields of industry, agriculture, engineering, transport,
energy, and a number of other important areas. Turkmenistan and
Uzbekistan are working on the implementation of large-scale
infrastructure projects, the significance of which goes far beyond
the regional framework.
One of the priorities of bilateral relations is the
humanitarian sphere. Turkmens and Uzbeks are heirs and keepers
of the richest cultural and scientific traditions, brilliant masters of
their craft live and work in our countries. There is a huge mutual
interest in the art and literature of our countries. We intend to
encourage this interest, we will actively promote broad cultural
and scientific exchanges on a regular basis.
I can say with conviction: friendship, good-neighborliness
and cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of
Uzbekistan are stronger today than ever. We have every reason to
look with optimism into the future, confidently build plans for
joint work for the long term.

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