Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, July 27 /Trend H.Hasanov/
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov received the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan Turki bin Khalid bin Faisal Al-Hashr, the Turkmen government said on Friday.
The diplomat conveyed greetings and a message from Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, who addressed the "heartfelt congratulations on a happy holy month Oraza (Ramadan), expressing best wishes to the Turkmen people."
"Cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia originally built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust, has ample opportunity to diversify its business contacts" the Turkmen leader said, reaffirming Turkmenistan's readiness to further enhance mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
In his opinion, the interstate dialogue is constructive and develops the best traditions of friendship and fruitful cooperation.
'Berdymuhamedov said relations between the two countries have reached a qualitatively new level in recent years which confirms the continued intention of the parties to realise the available solid potential of a partnership for the common good', the media said.
During the meeting the sides exchanged views on the status and prospects of cooperation.
Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan's independence and establish diplomatic relations with the Caspian state. The Embassy of Saudi Arabia was opened in Ashgabat in 1997.
Berdymukhamedov's first official visit to Saudi Arabia was made in April 2007. A package of bilateral documents has been signed between the two countries - general agreement on bilateral cooperation agreement on cooperation between chambers of commerce of both countries.
The two countries are exploring partnership opportunities in the areas of fuel and energy complex, the production of cement and other building materials, as well as in agriculture, including animal husbandry, cultivation of grain and forage crops.