Baku, October 25, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with President of Turkmenistan Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov.

President Ilham Aliyev said:

Dear Gurbanguly Malikguliyevich, you are welcome!

I am glad to see you on Azerbaijani soil again. We recently met in Turkmenistan as part of a meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of State. I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate you on the excellent organization of the meeting and, of course, share my impressions of Ashgabat. I visit your country regularly and see major changes. I said this to you in Ashgabat and I want to say it now. This is an example of urban development and modern dynamic development of the city, its infrastructure, creation of good conditions for citizens, for residents.

And, of course, we can never miss the opportunity to once again exchange views on the bilateral agenda. We meet on a regular basis. It is with great pleasure that I recall my official visit to your country last year, the previous meeting, and today we will also discuss important issues of bilateral development, which covers almost all areas.

The fraternal and friendly relations between our countries have a great historical base. This is a relationship between our peoples who have always treated each other like brothers throughout centuries. And we continue these traditions. Therefore, let me once again warmly welcome you to Azerbaijan. I am grateful that Turkmenistan takes part in the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement at the highest level.

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President Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov  said :

- Thank you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, for your hospitality and for the warm words about Turkmenistan. I would also like to thank you for inviting me to participate in the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. I want to congratulate you from the start. The summit has been organized at the highest level, and I congratulate you on that. Of course, the essence of the Summit, as can be seen, is stability, security and consolidation of world peace. Here, our economic ties, as well as humanitarian and international issues, play an important role. The interests of each state are probably have an important role to play. This was clearly seen today from the speeches of members of the organization. The sovereignty of each state, the integrity of each state are probably very important. As you know, we are also a neutral country, neutral Turkmenistan, your neighbors, your brothers. Of course, we look at this through the prism of the United Nations Charter, so that there is never confrontation. All these issues, of course, must be resolved by political and diplomatic means. Therefore, I once again want to congratulate you on the successful organization of this summit, which is probably important for the entire international arena.

I would also like to say - and this is not a compliment - that Baku by the water of the ancient Khazar is, as always, getting younger and more beautiful. It has a peculiar architecture. Every time we rejoices at what we see, of course. Therefore, I would also like to congratulate you on how modern Baku is becoming more beautiful today.

If we talk about our bilateral relations, we have already mentioned political ties. If we talk about economic issues, I would like to note that they are going along the ascending line, as it befits us. It is gratifying that we have a common position on energy security. I am grateful to you as a whole for the fact that together we are developing not only the region, but also the overall transport and transit corridors. And it is gratifying that all these issues are coordinated by the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation. Therefore, I would like to once again thank you for the invitation, wish you continued success in your public activities and, of course, the best blessings, prosperity and happiness to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. Thank you again!

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you!