Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan. 15 /Trend, G.Hasanov/
"We welcome the interest of European companies in the implementation of joint projects in Turkmenistan," said Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Saturday after a meeting with the EU delegation headed by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
"European business can take its rightful place in the economy of Turkmenistan," he said. Official Ashgabat holds talks on cooperation with Total, Eni, BP, Gas de France and others.
In May 2008, Turkmenistan and EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation. After that, negotiations were conducted at a high level on a regular base. According to the Turkmen leader, Turkmenistan's position is extremely open and clear."
Berdimuhamedov said that the country, being one of the largest natural gas producers in the world, is building its strategy in this industry based on the principles of diversification, which in turn implies creating a multi-variant transport, including pipeline infrastructure aimed at ensuring reliable and stable natural gas supplies to world markets.
"In this sense, we consider the European direction as one of the most perspective and are ready to work together with our colleagues from the European Union."
In turn, Barroso stressed the Ashgabat meeting was "constructive and fruitful".