On February 11^th, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

At the Ashgabat International Airport before departure, during a conversation with a representative of the UAE Embassy in our country, Arkadag stressed that the United Arab Emirates is a long-term and reliable partner of Turkmenistan, and expressed confidence that the current official visit would further strengthen the traditional friendly relations between the two states.

... A few hours later, the airliner of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov landed at the International Airport of the capital of the UAE, decorated with the State flags of the two countries.

In the air harbor of the Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and other officials.

A brief conversation with the Minister of Justice took place here, during which Arkadag said that our country attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the efforts of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to bring the Turkmen-Emirates relations to a qualitatively new level.

During the visit, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque located in Abu Dhabi, one of the six largest mosques in the world.

Here, the head of the department of the center of the mosque, Yousef Al Obaidli, warmly welcomed Haji Arkadag.

The mufti of Turkmenistan read the prayer “ayat-tovir” in memory of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Then, speaking to the audience, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that within the framework of his current visit to a friendly country he visited the mosque named after the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which is one of the largest in the world.

As Haji Arkadag noted, the mosque is considered the house of Allah. Honoring the dead and gone to another world is the primordial tradition of our peoples. Of course, the duration of a person's life is measured by the years lived, but the meaning of life lies in the deeds performed by him. Those who did great things will forever live in the memory of people.

Sharing his memories, Haji Arkadag said that he happened to sit at the same sachak with the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and always remembers him with a kind word.

As Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted, memory is the wealth of the nation. It brings generations together. Honoring the past, we open the way to the future. By honoring our ancestors, we become an example for posterity. This is a good tradition of the Turkmen and Arab peoples.

Reading prayers in memory of the deceased brothers, offering prayers for the repose of their souls is also a good deed, said Haji Arkadag and offered a prayer, asking the Almighty that their souls rest in paradise.

“Let the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates continue to develop and strengthen! May prosperity, well-being and peace continue to accompany our fraternal peoples!” - said the Hero-Arkadag.

During a visit to the mosque, Haji Arkadag was told about its features, in particular, about a large handmade carpet, as well as huge magnificent chandeliers.

It is appropriate to mention here that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan provided great assistance in the construction of a mosque in Ashgabat, the Döwletliler köşgi Palace and participated in the charitable support of the Palace, in the construction of healthcare facilities.

... During the inspection of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Haji Arkadag presented the mosque with a book of the Holy Quran and a prayer rug, which was a manifestation of the desire to further expand cultural and humanitarian relations between the two friendly countries.

Thanking for the wonderful gift, the leadership of the mosque also presented Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a wonderful book containing photographs and information about the unique mosques of the world, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Noting that it would be expedient to place this magnificent edition in the Main Mosque of Akhal velayat, which was laid in January of this year, Haji Arkadag handed it over to the mufti of Turkmenistan.

In the afternoon, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov went to the Al Shatiye Palace. Here he met with the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Hero-Arkadag expressed sincere sympathy to the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the death of his wife's mother.

In continuation of the meeting, it was emphasized that among the relevant vectors of cooperation are energy, the transport and communications sector, road support systems, industrial cooperation, agriculture, shipbuilding, high technology, as well as interaction with the financial structures of the UAE in the implementation of important projects. In this context, it was noted that the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates last November opened wide opportunities for effective partnership.

The fuel and energy sector is also among the priority areas of bilateral cooperation. An integral part of the cooperation between the two friendly countries is the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

At the end of the meeting, Hero-Arkadag invited Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time for him.

Saying goodbye, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed confidence that, thanks to joint efforts, interstate cooperation would continue to expand and strengthen, wishing the peoples of the two countries peace and prosperity.

Today, the meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also took place.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that the UAE attaches great importance to mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkmenistan and expressed confidence that this visit and meetings within its framework will make a significant contribution to the further development and strengthening of bilateral relations.

It was also noted that the UAE enthusiastically perceives and sincerely rejoices at the achievements of our country on the path of progressive transformations initiated by the Hero-Arkadag and now successfully continuing under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Bilateral political and diplomatic relations are developing dynamically, bilateral and multilateral contacts through authoritative international organizations, primarily the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, etc., are active. In this regard, the approaches of our countries in solving the main problems of the international and regional agenda are close or compatible.

During the meeting, important issues of cooperation were discussed, including the intensification of partnerships in the fuel and energy industry, the oil refining industry, and the investment sector.

Emphasizing the readiness of Turkmenistan to significantly expand mutually beneficial relations with UAE companies in the fuel and energy sector, Hero-Arkadag noted that this is of great importance in the context of the country's goal of diversifying this industry, commissioning new capacities for the production of high-quality export-oriented products .

The transport and logistics system was also noted as one of the most promising areas of cooperation. The modern infrastructure created in the country in recent years, including the International Sea Port of Turkmenbashi, new highways, airports, opens up great opportunities for developing partnerships in this area.

At the end of the meeting, Arkadag invited Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Turkmenistan with his family at any convenient time.

Saying goodbye, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed confidence that effective cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries will be further strengthened.

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This morning, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, from the residence allotted for the visit, located in the fashionable hotel “Emirates Palace”, went for a walk along the coast of the Persian Gulf, and also performed morning exercises.

During the workout, Hero-Arkadag demonstrated excellent physical fitness - the result of regular practice in various sports.

During the morning walk, Arkadag, accompanied by his associates, examined natural sights. Speaking about the creation of a modern seaside resort of international class on the Caspian coast, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the need to fully use the existing potential for the development of world-class tourism.

Taking into account the natural features of Avaza, its ecological situation, innovative methods and features of national architecture should be used. This will ensure full compliance with modern requirements of newly built tourism, recreation and sports facilities.

Walking along the magnificent coast, Arkadag drew attention to the unique beauty of the green zone with planted trees, as well as the uniqueness of the structures located here. In this regard, it was emphasized that during the construction of objects, the creation of forest zones and other adjacent structures on the coast of the Caspian Sea, great importance should be attached to decorative design, the formation of a single harmonious ensemble.

The performance of any work must be approached creatively, studying the achievements of world science in a particular area. Large green areas, various flower plantations cheer people up and inspire new achievements and labor victories, positively affect the state of mind of a person, said the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.

During the walk, Hero-Arkadag examined various types of ships and boats moored in the waters of the bay, the owners of which offer their services for organizing walks to vacationers.

In this regard, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of increasing the number of various types of vessels, as well as establishing services related to fishing, sea excursions in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, based on world experience in this area. This will attract even more vacationers, providing them with a good rest. Measures taken in this direction will create ample opportunities for the development of tourism in the country.

Then the Hero-Arkadag and his comrades-in-arms made a bike ride, examining the panorama of the area along the way.

It is gratifying that in recent years the number of fans of this ecological sport in our country has been increasing every day, and for people of different ages cycling has become a lifestyle, which is another evidence of the success of the state policy for the development of mass physical culture movement and high performance sports.

Thanks to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, modern sports complexes, stadiums and playgrounds have been built in different parts of the country. The multifunctional sports complex “Avaza”, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, was erected directly on the initiative of the Hero-Arkadag.

Having completed the bike ride, Hero-Arkadag examined the sports facilities located on the coast of the bay and visited the tennis court operating here.

Today, you will not surprise anyone with practicing various sports, conducting trainings and organizing sports and mass events on the seashore.

In this regard, it was noted that all the opportunities for such activities have been created in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. Increasing the interest of children in sports with the help of various sports equipment is currently one of the main tasks, so it is important to exchange experience with the developed countries of the world in this area.

In the United Arab Emirates, special attention is paid to the organization of camel tours in desert areas and on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Hero-Arkadag talked to the experts involved in camel rides. It was noted that in the Arab world much attention is paid to the mass breeding of horses and camels, their training for various purposes. Tourists are especially interested in camel rides, which is one of the areas of tourism development in this country.

As Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted, due attention is paid to the development of camel breeding in Turkmenistan and he cited the wise saying “Düýe maly – dünýe maly” as an example, which testifies to the special attitude of the Turkmen people to camels over the centuries.

There are common features in the camel breeding activities of Turkmenistan and the UAE. If the Arabs called the camel “the ship of the desert”, then the Turkmens called this wise animal the “ship of the steppe”. It is safe to say that there are great opportunities for the exchange of experience between the two countries and the intensification of cooperation in this area.

Then, on the shore of the bay, Hero-Arkadag, over a cup of tea, talked with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan R.Meredov and A.Begliev, noting that the best world practices and achievements in the field of natural and park and landscape design are applied here.

At the same time, the importance of studying the experience accumulated by the United Arab Emirates in the development of tourism was emphasized. The active use of innovative technologies and world experience in the development of the sanatorium-tourist industry in NTZ “Avaza” will ensure the effectiveness of ongoing activities in this area.

The Caspian coast has every opportunity for the development of various types of tourism and the activation of the sports sector, which will allow Turkmenistan to strengthen its position among the countries developed in the field of tourism.

As Hero-Arkadag noted, the main goal of the development of the Avaza National Tourist Zone is to effectively use the resort potential of the coast, provide high-quality recreation for people, strengthen the investment base, and turn this area into a world-class tourist center.

Today, representatives of the delegation of Turkmenistan held meetings with the leaders of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, Masdar, ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Port companies.

As part of the meetings, on a number of key issues in the most important areas of cooperation, discussions were held on the possibilities of building up contacts in the field of investments, prospects for cooperation in the fuel and energy industry, the rational use of renewable energy sources, and increasing cooperation in the development of port infrastructure.

The parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects for successfully developing bilateral and multilateral interstate ties. Noting the rapid nature of the Turkmen-Emirati relations, as well as the commitment of both states to a peaceful foreign policy, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand contacts.

Representatives of the UAE expressed great interest in participating in projects implemented in our country, which are designed to ensure the innovative development of the national economy and the growth of the well-being of the entire Turkmen people.

Within the framework of the meetings, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the energy sector was signed between the State Concern “Turkmengaz” and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and an Agreement on the conditions and procedure for opening and maintaining a correspondent account between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the First Bank of Abu -Dabi (First Abu Dhabi bank).

Also today, the Mufti of Turkmenistan and the chief specialist of the Altyn Economic Society visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the city of Abu Dhabi, which was visited by Hero Arkadag the day before.

It should be recalled that the first stage of construction of a new modern administrative center of the Akhal velayat - the city of Arkadag, where the Main Mosque will be erected, continues in Turkmenistan. The initiator of the construction of both the city and the mosque was the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who makes great demands on the quality of building materials, design and work. Therefore, a detailed acquaintance with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is of great importance in terms of exchanging experience and ideas with experts from the United Arab Emirates.

The mufti of Turkmenistan and the chief specialist of the Economic Society "Altyn" during the inspection of the mosque received answers to their questions related to architectural and technical features, landscaping, interior and exterior design, lighting, etc.

Representatives of the UAE expressed their readiness to provide assistance and advice in the construction of the Main Mosque of the Akhal velayat, as well as share their experience.

As a result of the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the United Arab Emirates, a Joint Declaration was adopted.

Having completed his official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov headed to Abu Dhabi International Airport, where he was warmly welcomed by Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and other officials.

The Minister of Justice of the UAE congratulated on the successful completion of the visit and expressed confidence that the bilateral negotiations and meetings held as part of the program of the visit would help bring cooperation to a new level.

Having made a flight to Ashgabat, the airliner landed at the International Airport of the Turkmen capital, where the Hero-Arkadag was met by officials.