Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 21
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
The energy security issues were discussed during the talks between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Switzerland Didier Burkhalter in Ashgabat, the Turkmen government said Nov. 21.
The two sides also discussed a number of international issues of mutual interest, including the environmental protection and the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.
"As one of the biggest energy powers worldwide, Turkmenistan pursues a policy of diversifying the export routes of energy resources to the world markets," a statement says. "The country is developing the constructive cooperation with foreign, including European partners."
Switzerland led by President Burkhalter this year is the OSCE current chairman.
Earlier it was reported that Ashgabat considers it appropriate to intensify the energy dialogue as part of the OSCE, to formulate the mechanisms for multilateral consultations on political, financial-economic, technological, environmental aspects of construction and operation of the pipeline infrastructure.
Turkmenistan ranks fourth on natural gas reserves in the world. At present, it exports this kind of fuel to China, CIS and Iran. The variants of laying the gas pipelines from Turkmenistan to the markets in South Asia and Europe are being examined.
More than thirty companies with Swiss capital work in Turkmenistan. The promising areas for cooperation are the fuel-energy complex, transport and communications, high-tech sectors of industry, investments, tourism and other areas.
Turkmenistan is interested in partnership with Switzerland in such areas as mechanical engineering, chemical, processing and food, pharmaceutical spheres and biochemical production.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to Switzerland in October 2012 gave an impetus to the relations of both countries. A package of documents was signed following the visit.
edited by CN
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