Text of Turkmenistan-Latvia Joint Statement – 8 October 2008

Ashgabat, 9 October 2008 (nCa) --- Here is the unofficial, slightly paraphrased, translation of the joint statement issued by the presidents of Turkmenistan and Latvia in Ashgabat on 8 October 2008.

President Valdis Satlers of Latvia was on an official visit of Turkmenistan 7-9 October 2008.

During the meeting the two presidents discussed topical issues of bilateral relations and international matters of mutual interest, expressed mutual desire to strengthen relations between Turkmenistan and Latvia as well peace and stability regionally and globally.

The heads of Turkmenistan and Latvia agreed to make all efforts for further development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and trade. Transport, communications, textiles, wood industry, and implementation of joint projects in the forestry industry were identified as promising areas for future cooperation.

The presidents underlined the importance of contacts between the small and medium enterprises, and [cooperation in] tourism, culture, education, science, health and sports.

Much attention was paid during the talks to the possibility of increasing political dialogue between Turkmenistan and Latvia, intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary cooperation and consultations on bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the presidents stressed the importance of strengthening the legal base for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Latvia. The parties expressed support for the implementation of intergovernmental agreements signed during the [current] visit on air service, as well as economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation.

In order to deepen the relationship between the two countries and enhancing economic cooperation, the parties acknowledged the importance of creating and holding meetings of the intergovernmental commission on economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

The heads of state noted the similarity of positions of Turkmenistan and Latvia on major regional and international issues.

While condemning the terrorist acts as threat to peace and security, the parties pledged their support for the efforts of the international community in combating international terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in this field.

The two heads of state praised the European Union strategy for Central Asia and acknowledged that the educational initiative, the initiative on rule of law, dialogue on energy and water resources, and political dialogue at ministerial level were important developments for closer and more productive relationship between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia.

The parties also noted the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed between the European Union and Turkmenistan on cooperation in the energy sector and expressed hope for further action to strengthen energy cooperation between EU and Turkmenistan.

President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia thanked President Berdymuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan for the warm reception and invited the president of Turkmenistan for official visit to Latvia.

Date of the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels.

Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov

President of Turkmenistan

Valdis Zatlers

President of Latvia

8 October 2008

Ashgabat