Today, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Michael Linhart, who arrived in Turkmenistan.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the devoted time, the guest conveyed warm greetings from the Federal President and the Federal Chancellor of Austria to the head of state. At the same time, it was confirmed the desire of the Austrian partners to increase fruitful cooperation with Turkmenistan, which implements a constructive foreign policy course based on the status of permanent neutrality and aimed at developing broad international cooperation.

Thanking for the kind words, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction the high level and traditionally friendly nature of interstate relations built on the principles of mutual respect and trust. Having conveyed greetings and best wishes to the top leadership of the Republic of Austria, the leader of the nation noted that cooperation between the two countries is also successfully developing in the format of authoritative international organizations and structures – UN, OSCE and others, particularly within the framework of the dialogue with the European Union that has intensified in recent years.

Meeting contained a concerned exchange of views on the state and prospects of the Turkmen-Austrian partnership, which has a solid diverse potential. In this regard, it was stated that there are great opportunities for diversification of effective cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. An important role is assigned to the activities of the Turkmen-Austrian Joint Commission, as well as close contacts between business circles.

At the same time, it was emphasized that the cultural and humanitarian sphere is an integral component of interstate relations. Illustrative examples of cooperation in this area are the active work of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, which has an Internet site and publishes the Galkynysh magazine, cross-cultural Days regularly held in Ashgabat and Vienna, performances of the Galkynysh Joint Symphony Orchestra, Viennese balls in the Turkmen capital, as well as other creative events.

During the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan and the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria spoke in favor of further strengthening the traditional political and diplomatic dialogue, continuing the practice of regular consultations between foreign ministries. As it was emphasized, Austria highly appreciates the peace-loving foreign policy implemented by our country and supports the international initiatives put forward by the Turkmen leader aimed at solving topical issues of our time and meeting the goals of universal peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

At the end of the meeting, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Michael Linhart expressed confidence that fruitful interstate relations, based on many years of positive experience and mutual goodwill of the parties, will continue to develop successfully, being filled with new concrete content.

The meeting was also attended by the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society Neda Berger.