Mutual trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan has increased more than fivefold in recent years, reaching $ 1 billion 94 million in 2023. Uzbek Ambassador to Turkmenistan Akmaljon Kuchkarov announced this at a press briefing in Ashgabat, SNG.Today news agency reported.
The diplomat emphasised that friendly relations between the two countries are built on the basis of mutual respect, trust and understanding. The Uzbek and Turkmen peoples have shared historical, cultural and linguistic commonality since time immemorial.
A new stage in the history of bilateral cooperation began with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement following the state visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Turkmenistan in 2017.
According to Kuchkarov, trade turnover between the countries increased more than fivefold between 2017 and 2023. From $ 920 million in 2022, the trade turnover reached $ 1 billion 94 million by the end of 2023.
The Ambassador also informed about the launch of interregional cooperation processes and the creation of mechanisms of bilateral interaction within the framework of the Business Council of Entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Akmaljon Kuchkarov emphasised that after the popular election of Serdar Berdimuhamedov as President of Turkmenistan, the traditions of Uzbek-Turkmen interaction were further developed. Parliamentary, public and youth diplomacy were included in the process of deepening cooperation.
Mutual visits at the highest level are expected in 2024. The diplomat stressed that this once again demonstrates the aspirations of the heads of state for close interaction and the development of not only bilateral cooperation, but also regional rapprochement in Central Asia.
