President of Turkmenistan to Visit Brussels 5-6 November 2007

Ashgabat, 25 October 2007 (nCa) --- President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov will visit Brussels on 5-6 November 2007. This would be his first visit to a European capital as president of Turkmenistan.

The cabinet members of Berdymuhamedov are preparing for the visit with view to give a vigorous start to a new chapter in Turkmenistan-Europe relations. According to the current foreign policy Turkmenistan is ready for full cooperation in all areas on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

Addressing a meeting of cabinet of ministers Thursday, President Berdymuhamedov said that Turkmenistan will henceforth intensify constructive dialogue with the traditional and new partners to tap the colossal natural potential of the country.

During his visit Berdymuhamedov will meet with Jose Manuel Barroso, president of EC.

Meetings are also planned with Javier Solana, EU foreign and security policy point man, and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, secretary general of NATO.

Guy Verhofstadt, prime minister of Belgium and Karel De Gucht, foreign minister of Belgium, are also expected to consult with the Turkmen president.

In addition, individual and group meetings are scheduled with top executives of some European companies.