The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, outlined five key areas of regional cooperation at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The summit took place on 8 October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The Head of State identified the strengthening of the six-party format, solidarity and mutual support as the top priority. Ensuring peace, security and stability in the region, as well as developing political and diplomatic dialogue on pressing international issues, were also identified as important objectives.

In the economic sphere, the President of Turkmenistan called for the intensification of trade and investment cooperation. The Head of State emphasised the need to join forces to develop Central Asia and Azerbaijan as transport, logistics, energy and industrial hubs along the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ routes.

Another area of focus was the acceleration of technological development and the introduction of artificial intelligence to enhance the region’s competitiveness.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the expansion of cultural, humanitarian, educational and civilisational ties between the six states and with other countries around the world as the fifth priority.

‘I believe that the nature of relations between the six states, and the level of mutual trust, openness and understanding amongst their leaders, are now so high and so strong that we are fully capable of tackling all the tasks set before us,’ concluded the President of Turkmenistan.