Khalifa stresses joint energy projects

Ashgabat: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon invitation from Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov, paid a two-day state visit to Turkmenistan which began on Wednesday.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as means to boost cooperation in the political, economic and social fields and other regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They agreed on the importance of joint cooperation for future development. The leaders called on the government and private sectors to explore investment opportunities on both sides.

The UAE and Turkmen Presidents stressed the importance of implementing joint projects and programmes, especially in the oil and gas sectors, oil refinement, petrochemicals and transportation.

To achieve the targets, a study will be conducted on establishing commercial-economic companies by providing the necessary legal condition and support.

The two presidents stressed the importance of enhancing cultural, media and educational relations, and activating the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries.

Shaikh Khalifa praised Turkmenistan's wise unbiased policy, which contributes to achieving security, peace and stability in the region.

The Turkmen President reiterated his support for the positive role played by the UAE and its wise foreign policy, which is based on resolving regional and international issues in peaceful ways.

The two leaders stressed the two countries' efforts to enhance peace, security and stability on an international level.

They also reiterated their condemnation for all types of terror and their support of the international community to limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

He was seen off by President Berdimuhammedov, the Speaker and members of parliament, the deputy prime minister and other senior officials. Shaikh Khalifa invited President Berdimuhammedov to visit the UAE, which he accepted.

Tour: Turkmenistan landmarks

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday toured some of Turkmenistan's landmarks.

Accompanied by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashit Meredov, Shaikh Khalifa visited the tomb of the late Turkmen president Saparmurat Niyazov in Kypchak, where he laid flowers on the tomb and prayed for the late president.

Shaikh Khalifa also visited the city's grand mosque, which is the largest mosque in Central Asia, and praised the country's development during Niyazov's era.

The President then visited the Independence Monument in Ashgabat, and laid flowers on the monument.

Shaikh Khalifa planted a tree in the park near the monument to embody the special relations between the two countries. It was planted beside trees planted by other leaders who visited Turkmenistan.