Issues of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of India were discussed

On September 27, 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

In the first half of the day, a meeting was held with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos, during which the parties assessed the current level of cooperation between the two countries.

The parties discussed bilateral relations in the political and diplomatic sphere, including strengthening the dialogue between the foreign ministries. The fruitful nature of cooperation within the UN was noted.

The ministers exchanged views on establishing partnerships in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in the field of science and education. In particular, the possibilities of academic exchange and training in higher educational institutions of Cyprus were noted.

During the meeting, readiness was expressed to strengthen the legal framework between the two countries in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres, and the parties to prepare relevant Memorandums of Understanding between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on political consultations and cooperation, as well as between the responsible departments of the two countries on the development of trade and industrial cooperation.

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The head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan also met with his Iraqi counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Fuad Mohammed Hussein.

During the meeting, the parties confirmed the intention of the two countries to expand bilateral ties in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.

The ministers discussed in detail the planned supplies of Turkmen natural gas to Iraq under SWAP schemes. Issues of investment cooperation were also touched upon and an exchange of views on the current regional agenda took place.

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Later in the day, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov also met with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, including trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Interaction and support within regional and international structures were discussed.

The ministers exchanged views on the organization of bilateral visits, as well as the implementation of joint projects and programs.

In the context of strengthening interstate cooperation, the importance of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was noted. In this regard, it was noted the need to prepare for the next meeting of this commission.

Energy cooperation and the implementation of major infrastructure projects were also the subject of an exchange of views. The important role and regional significance of the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project and its contribution to the development of the region were noted. Speaking about the regional agenda, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming meeting of the heads of foreign policy departments in the “Central Asia + India” format.