Turkmen FM Hopes for Boosting Cooperation with Iran

(FNA)- Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow underlined the age-old and brotherly relations between Tehran and Ashgabat, and expressed the hope that cooperation between the two countries would further increase.

“We share common culture, history and traditions which are the bases of our bilateral relations,” Meredow said in a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on Saturday.

He expressed pleasure in the high level of the ties with Iran, and said, “The two countries have implemented very great projects until today and we have projects in the field of economic relations and cultural cooperation on the agenda.”

Meredow also said that an exhibition of Iranian goods to be participated by over 200 companies is due to be held in Ashgabat 12 days from now.

Iran has long taken various diplomatic initiatives to expand its ties with the neighboring states.

Iran attaches great importance to its strategic ties with Turkmenistan due to the country's strategic position in the Central Asia.

In relevant remarks late January, Zarif said Iran and Turkmenistan have potentials to broaden energy cooperation in the future.

Zarif told the Iran-Turkmenistan Business Council that a new atmosphere has been created for stronger ties between Iran and its neighbors with Turkmenistan enjoying a special position.

He said Iran-Turkmenistan energy cooperation has grown following the inauguration of Turkmenistan’s second gas pipeline to Iran.

“I firmly believe that experienced Iranian technical and engineering companies are ready to cooperate in the equipment and maintenance of energy sector facilities,” said Zarif.

The Iranian minister said the two neighbors have long cooperated in the transportation sector.

He said a transit agreement signed between Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Oman will facilitate cooperation between the countries in the region.

Zarif said the Central Asian countries can have access to Persian Gulf waters and consider oil and gas swap projects.

“Iran and Turkmenistan can develop their cooperation in the energy sector and play effective roles in energy supply to the region and the world,” said Zarif.