On 19 September 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Head of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Muhammad Al Jasser.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the Head of State for the opportunity to meet and discuss priority issues of cooperation between the IDB and Turkmenistan, Muhammad Al Jasser warmly congratulated the Head of State, as well as the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the upcoming holiday - the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the meetings to be held during the visit of the IDB President to Ashgabat would be fruitful, contributing to a constructive exchange of views on the prospects of bilateral partnership.

It was noted that Turkmenistan’s interaction with the IDB is effective and has a long-term character. This September marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s membership in the Islamic Development Bank. Over the past period, the IDB has taken part in financing more than 20 important projects in Turkmenistan in such areas as healthcare, education, transport, communications and energy.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the elevation of public health is one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s state policy. Great work is being carried out in the national healthcare system to successfully fulfil the tasks set.

In this regard, the role of the IDB in the implementation of projects for the construction of medical and health resort infrastructure, including good opportunities for further investment cooperation, was noted.

During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the prospects of cooperation in the energy sector, as well as the possibilities of interaction in the oil and gas sector.

The transport sphere was also identified as one of the promising areas of cooperation. The importance of interconnectivity of all modes of transport was emphasized, including consistent work on the formation of multimodal regional and international transport corridors along the North-South and East-West routes.

In this context, it was stated that there are many opportunities to intensify international transport through the Caspian Sea and great potential for enhancing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport connecting Asia and Europe. It was said that Turkmenistan is ready to consider specific proposals of the Islamic Development Bank to participate in projects to establish transport and transit corridors.

Projects on the development of the Internet and telecommunications system were also highlighted within the framework of cooperation with the IDB. Wide perspectives for strengthening the IDB’s effective contacts with banks and the private sector of Turkmenistan were noted.

At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Head of the Islamic Development Bank Muhammad Al Jasser expressed confidence that mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and the IDB will be further strengthened.