Turkmenistan, Tajikistan Explore Avenues for Cooperation

Ashgabat, 25 July 2007 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan and Tajikistan considered Tuesday the possibilities for mutual cooperation in energy, transportation and other areas.

Sherali Gulov, minister of energy and industry of Tajikistan conveyed the invitation from Tajik president Imomali Rahkhamov for a state visit by the Turkmen president and outlined the areas where Tajikistan expects support from Turkmenistan.

Gulov said that Tajikistan was experiencing energy shortage and looks toward Turkmenistan for support.

The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in transport sector and opening of Ashgabat-Dushanbe air connection.

Tajik ambassador to Turkmenistan, Kozidowlet Koimdodov, asked President Berdymuhamedov to consider allowing Tajik citizens the use of diagnostic and treatment centres in Turkmenistan.

The Tajik delegation informed that some companies from Tajikistan were weighing the possibility of investing in the newly announced national tourist zone of Turkmenistan.

President Berdymuhamedov said that it would be advisable to establish a bilateral intergovernmental commission for expanding the mutually satisfying relations. This is an effective mechanism, he said.

The Tajik delegation had meetings at the cabinet of ministers and ministry of energy and industry.

Meetings with the ministry of railway and ecnomy and finance are planned for Wednesday.