Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug 30 /Trend/
Establishment of a fruitful dialogue with the nearest neighbors, including Azerbaijan, with which Turkmenistan is tied by centuries of friendship and historically constituted community of spiritual and cultural traditions of the two nations, is one of the strategic vectors of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Azerbaijan Toyli Komekov said at a press conference in Baku.
"Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 9. Dynamic development of bilateral equal partnership based on mutual respect and understanding, demonstrates a common approach, the views and positions of our countries in various spheres of cooperation," he said.
He noted that the relationship between the two nations has a long tradition dating back to the times of the Great Silk Road.
"Our countries, occupying an advantageous geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia are fruitfully cooperating, representing mutual interest in various fields: politics, economy, regional security, humanitarian and social services, as well as in the framework of international organizations,' the diplomat said.
"Clearly, the active political contacts, especially at the highest level, are a solid platform for the active development of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations. Example of this is the historic visits of the presidents of both countries. Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov made an official visit to Azerbaijan in May 2008. For his turn, President Ilham Aliyev was in Turkmenistan on an official visit on November 2008. President of Turkmenistan visited Azerbaijan also in November 2010 the framework of the third summit of Caspian states. The meetings were important steps towards the strengthening and development of bilateral relations," Komekov said.
He noted that traditional dialogue between the leaders of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as regular exchange of views on the most pressing problems of global development that takes place within the framework of international meetings and forums are important factors for the positive cooperation and promote the further strengthening of the partnership.
The diplomat added that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have a solid foundation for further strengthening the partnership in the economy.
"The trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan increases annually," he said. "This also testifies to the close economic cooperation. The sides actively cooperate in the spheres of environment and environmental protection."
He added that humanitarian cooperation is an important component of bilateral relations.
"The Days of Azerbaijani culture in Turkmenistan held in 2009 and the Days of Turkmen Culture in Azerbaijan in November 2010 are a good example and testimony of neighborly relations," he stressed. "Other examples are the conference at Baku State University dedicated to the 350th anniversary of great Turkmen poet Nurmukhamed Andalib; presentation of this great poet's book translated into Azerbaijani, held at the Akhundov National Library, a scientific and cultural event held together with the Turkmen Embassy in Azerbaijan and the Education Ministry at the Caucasus University within the celebration of the Day of Revival, Unity and Poetry of Magtymguly Fragi - one of the greatest representatives of the poetry of humanity, the translation of many books by Turkmen poets into Azerbaijani. The translation of a book by Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov "Ahalteke - Our Pride and Glory" with the support of the Azerbaijani Equestrian Federation into Azerbaijani should be emphasized."
"Another fact of strengthening the friendship and brotherhood between the two countries is the translation and publication of a two-volume collection of speech, statements and interviews of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called "Foreign policy and diplomacy of Neutral Turkmenistan" into Azerbaijani," the Ambassador said.
"The experience of diplomatic relations shows that we have chosen the right vector of our cooperation development," he said. "Its potential is very large and creative. We will continue to strive to maximally use all our opportunities."