President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the second meeting of Heads of State in the ‘Central Asia – Russia’ format, emphasised the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries of the region and Russia, based on historical, cultural and economic commonality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

Expressing his gratitude to Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon for his hospitality, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that regular meetings in this format testify to the transition of cooperation to a systematic basis. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that Central Asia and Russia are united by centuries-old ties, which create a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in a wide range of areas.

The President of Turkmenistan paid particular attention to issues of security and stability in the region, including the coordination of actions to counter new challenges and risks, such as information and biological security, as well as the strengthening of public consensus. The Head of State also called for active cooperation in international structures, primarily within the framework of the UN, to protect the principles of international law and strengthen global security.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the development of transport and energy infrastructure as a priority. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of forming an international North-South transport corridor along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea and proposed using the capabilities of the international seaport of Turkmenbashi to expand ties between the countries of the region and Russia.

Special attention was paid to energy issues and the transition to a ‘green’ economy. The President of Turkmenistan proposed deepening cooperation in the field of electric power, as well as in the field of renewable energy sources and innovative technologies, emphasising Turkmenistan's readiness for practical cooperation in these areas.

Other key topics of the speech included preserving the ecological balance, in particular, solving the problems of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea and saving the Aral Sea. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the environmental agenda should become a permanent element of the six-party cooperation.

Concluding his speech, the Head of State recalled the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, noting that this event will forever remain a symbol of the unity of the peoples of the region. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing humanitarian and educational ties that strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the countries of Central Asia and Russia.

The Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to further strengthen cooperation within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Russia’ format, calling it a sought-after and promising mechanism for regional interaction.