Water, Trade, Energy Dominate Turkmenistan-Iran Talks

Ashgabat, 15 August 2007 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan and Iran signed Wednesday two memorandums of understanding and two agreements. The documents are related to cooperation in radio andn TV broadcasting, sharing of water resources and promotion of trade with emphasis on easy travel rules for border area residents and establishment of border markets.

As Ahmedinezhad wrapped up his two-day visit to Ashgabat, the presidents of Turkmenistan and Iran issued a joint communiqué. Besides the mutual feelings of goodwill and promise to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the statement underlines the importance of cooperation in the energy sphere.

It has been learnt from reliable sources that in the context of recently signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and Turkey on transit of Central Asian natural gas, Iran offered transit facility to Turkmenistan for export of its gas to the European and South Asian markets. It is believed that Turkmenistan promised to consider the offer seriously.

Joint development of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian sector of Turkmenistan also came under discussion. The sides have established a working group to look at the idea in detail.

Here are some details of the documents signed Wednesday at the presidential palace Ashgabat:

1. Memorandum on bilateral cooperation in radio and TV broadcasting. Among other facets of cooperation, this memorandum envisages joint productions.

2. Memorandum cooperation in trade and economic relations. An important point of this memorandum is that the residents of border areas such as Ahal and Balkan provinces of Turkmenistan would be governed under easy rules for border crossing. In addition, Turkmenistan and Iran would establish border markets to facilitate and promote mutual trade turnover. A joint working group would shape the proposals.

3. Agreement on cooperation in designing, construction and operation of water distribution system and diversion dam at Tejen/Harirud River at Shirdepe settlement. This would be helpful in managing the extra flow of water in Tejen during the rainy season. A joint working group will prepare feasibility study.

4. Agreement on completion and joint operation of Dostluk dam at Murghab River. The dam was built by both the countries at Murghab River at Sarakhs where it straddles the Turkmen-Iran border. The design capacity of the dam allows for irrigation of 25000 hectares of land one each side of the border. A joint working group will deal with the matter.

Iran has asked Turkmenistan to develop proposal for further cooperation. Both the presidents will discuss the matter further when they meet next in Tehran during the second Caspian summit later this year.

The sides reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism and drugs together. The Iranian president said that there are some complications in certain areas such as contraband and terrorism and the two countries should help each other in fighting these evils.

Ahmedinezhad emphasized that Iran supports Turkmenistan’s policies in regional and international affairs and believes that the borders between the two countries including the Caspian borders would eternally remain the borders of peace and friendship.

President Berdymuhamedov expressed confidence that the documents signed during the Ahmedinezhad visit would help bolster mutual relations. The relations close ties between Iran and Turkmenistan are based on mutual respect and both the states share common viewpoint on key regional and international issues, he said.