The presidents of Russia and Turkmenistan are discussing vital issues in bilateral relations at the Russian presidential residence on Friday, Itar-Tass reports.
Dmitry Medvedev and Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov are meeting in an eye-on-eye format at the Kaminny (mantelpiece) hall of the residence. "You arrived from a warm country and I set the mantelpiece on fire especially for you," the Russian president said. "Your weather is perfect and proper for the New Year holiday, and I congratulate you with a coming New Year and would like to say that I am very glad to see you, as we did not meet in the format of a bilateral visit for a long time," Medvedev noted.
The Russian president offered to discuss bilateral relations, particularly "economic cooperation, humanitarian ties that is important for our countries, which are very friendly partners." He recalled about
the Council of CIS Heads of State in Moscow at the beginning of this week and wished the Turkmen president successes during the Turkmen presidency in the CIS.
Medvedev named "the problems of regional cooperation" as another issue for negotiations. "We are neighbors and good friends and it seems to me that we can discuss all these issues," he added.
Berdymukhamedov thanked Medvedev for the invitation "to visit this perfect country." He supported his Russian counterpart that they "should discuss many aspects in developing cooperation." "I would also like to congratulate you and your great and nice nation on New Year and wish you all the best," Berdymukhamedov added.