Last week, the 16th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in Tashkent, attended by the heads of Central Asian states, Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan. A notable event was the speech of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who outlined the range of pressing issues on the regional agenda.
In the context of global instability, the ECO leaders demonstrated their desire for constructive dialog and development of a coordinated strategy of economic partnership. The head of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties, developing transport infrastructure and enhancing energy cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov's speech touched upon the key aspects of interaction between the states of the region. In this material, we will take a detailed look at the main topics voiced by the President of Turkmenistan at the summit in Tashkent and their significance for the ECO.
Geopolitical risks as a challenge for economic cooperation
In his speech at the ECO Summit, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the meeting is taking place in a difficult geopolitical environment. A number of serious challenges have a direct impact on the global economy and development of the region.
According to the Head of Turkmenistan, the current geopolitical risks, despite their complex nature, also open new opportunities for the ECO countries. Among the key tasks is the effective use of these opportunities, relying on the potential of the organization in the conditions of modern geo-economic transformations.
Thus, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that in the current turbulent environment, it is important for Central Asian countries to consolidate efforts to minimize risks and strengthen regional economic cooperation. Competent joint actions will allow turning challenges into new opportunities for development.
Ashgabat summit as a basis for further action
In his speech at the summit in Tashkent, the President of Turkmenistan dwelt on the results of the previous 15th ECO Leaders' Meeting, which was held in November 2021 in Ashgabat.
According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Ashgabat summit was full of important initiatives and events that gave a new impetus to cooperation within the ECO framework. The key outcome was the then adopted document "Ashgabat Consensus for Action", which defined the priorities of interaction between the states of the organization in trade and economic, transport, energy and other spheres.
The President of Turkmenistan emphasized that based on the decisions of the Ashgabat Summit it is necessary to identify promising directions for practical actions within the ECO framework. Thus, he noted the significance of the previous meeting for elaboration of further coordinated strategy of regional cooperation.
Strengthening trade and economic ties as a priority
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to the need to expand trade, economic and investment cooperation between the ECO countries.
According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the key tasks are to establish partnerships between leading companies to create economic corridors in the region, as well as the development of digital technologies and e-commerce.
The head of Turkmenistan noted the importance of increasing trade turnover through cross-border and regional trade, activation of entrepreneurship and industrial cooperation. He also proposed to create an ECO information portal to expand multilateral economic interaction.
Thus, the President of Turkmenistan identified the development of trade and economic ties as a key priority for the ECO countries in the current circumstances.
Infrastructure modernization is key to integration
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan also touched upon the development of transportation and communication networks in the region.
According to him, economic cooperation of the ECO countries will be successful only if there are modern transport corridors covering the entire territory of the organization. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of building roads, bridges, logistics facilities for the integration of the region.
The Turkmen head of state proposed to create joint transport and logistics centers with the participation of government agencies and private companies. He also noted the need for close coordination of activities of the transport agencies of the ECO countries.
As a result, the President of Turkmenistan identified the modernization of infrastructure as a strategic priority for deepening regional integration within the ECO framework.
Energy Partnership for Stability
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan also touched upon the strengthening of energy cooperation between the countries of the region.
According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in the conditions of global instability in the energy markets, it is extremely important to develop an effective model of interaction within the framework of the ECO in order to meet the growing demand for energy resources.
The President of Turkmenistan said that his country is ready to increase the supply of natural gas and electricity to the ECO partners using the existing and prospective infrastructure. He called for enhanced cooperation to form a common energy supply system in the ECO area.
Thus, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the strategic importance of deepening partnership in the energy sector to ensure stability and energy security in the region.
The Role of the ECO Secretariat in the Realization of Regional Cooperation
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the ECO Secretariat's activities for practical implementation of the regional economic partnership.
According to the President, the ECO Secretariat is entrusted with a high responsible mission to coordinate joint efforts and concrete plans within the framework of priority areas of interaction.
The Head of Turkmenistan thanked ECO Secretary General Khusrav Noziri and the staff of the Secretariat for effective measures to realize the goals and objectives defined at the previous ECO Summits. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the key role of the Secretariat in promoting and deepening practical regional cooperation in various areas.
Consolidation of the region for common interests
Concluding his speech at the ECO Summit, the President of Turkmenistan touched upon the strengthening of friendly ties and mutual understanding between the countries of the region.
In Serdar Berdimuhamedov's opinion, in the current difficult geopolitical conditions, it is extremely important for the leaders of Central Asian states to show wisdom and foresight in defending common interests and values.
The head of Turkmenistan expressed conviction that the consolidation and cohesion of the ECO countries would make it possible to effectively confront challenges and threats. This will contribute to strengthening stability and security in the region.
The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the strategic importance of unity and coordinated actions of the ECO countries in the face of geopolitical risks.
Bilateral meeting with Uzbek counterpart
On the margins of the ECO Summit, Presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev held bilateral talks.
The sides discussed the implementation of the previously reached agreements at the highest level and the possibilities of expanding the bilateral partnership.
There are positive dynamics in trade and economic, energy, transportation and humanitarian spheres. In particular, interregional cooperation and cultural exchange between the countries have been actively developing recently. In October this year, Uzbekistan hosted the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan.
In addition to bilateral relations, the presidents discussed regional issues and opportunities to expand cooperation within the framework of international organizations.
Obviously, at the meeting in Tashkent, the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan confirmed their mutual interest in deepening the strategic partnership between the countries. This will facilitate the implementation of joint regional projects and strengthen stability in Central Asia.
Summarizing, we can say that the speech of Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the ECO summit in Tashkent touched upon almost the whole range of topical issues on the regional agenda.
Despite the complex geopolitical situation, the ECO leaders demonstrated a common desire to find answers to common challenges, relying on the potential of interaction within the organization.
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan outlined the key areas for deepening practical cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres, transportation infrastructure and energy. The role of the ECO Secretariat in the implementation of these priorities was emphasized.
In general, the summit results demonstrated the regional leaders' focus on consolidation and development of a coordinated strategy to overcome common challenges and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.
Photos: president.uz
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