The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, received the governor of Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation, Alexander Zhilkin, who has arrived in Turkmenistan as part of the Russian delegation participating in the congress and expo “Asiada-2017: International Cooperation in Sports for the Sake of Peace and Progress”, dedicated to the International Health Day widely celebrated in our country. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the specific importance attached to the strengthening of cooperation with the Russian Federation and its regions including Astrakhan region. Turkmenistan has economic and humanitarian ties with this province, that are based on historically developed good neighbourly relations, said the National Leader. During the meeting President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke on the preparation for the upcoming 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be held in Ashgabat this fall. The strong sports base being created in the country and centered at the capital’s Olympic Village was especially emphasized. The sides highlighted the importance of developing cooperation in the area of sports, healthy and active lifestyle. We share an experience of successful cooperation in this sphere, including water sports and sports tourism. For that there are all necessary conditions, with due account for Avaza, the National tourist zone being created on the Caspian Sea coast.