The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Uzbekistan has been completed today. As already reported, bilateral negotiations at the highest level took place in Tashkent yesterday, the effectiveness of which is amply proved by the important agreements reached as a result of them and the signed solid package of documents aimed at promoting the further progressive development of fruitful interstate strategy-oriented relations.

In the morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Its building is located on the central square of Tashkent – Mustaqillik.

Here the distinguished guest was warmly welcomed by the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Norbaeva.

After the joint photographing against the background of the National flags of the two countries, it was held a meeting between the head of Turkmenistan and the head of the Upper House of the Uzbek Parliament.

Cordially welcoming President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan highlighted the traditionally friendly, good-neighborly nature of interstate relations, a new important chapter in the history of which was written by the July 14 summit talks. The agreements reached according to their results and the documents signed will facilitate the further development of bilateral cooperation that meets the interests of common well-being.

Thanking the head of the Upper Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament for the warm welcome and hospitality, the head of Turkmenistan noted that today’s meeting greatly empowers to exchange views on the prospects for strengthening Turkmen-Uzbek parliamentary ties, share experience in lawmaking, and outline areas of cooperation in the international arena.

Before proceeding directly to the topics of the conversation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Norbaeva cordial greetings and best wishes from the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan G.Mammedova.

As a result of joint efforts, Parliaments of the two countries have accomplished much in recent years. A sustained inter-parliamentary dialogue has been established, professional communication mechanisms have been launched, and delegations are exchanged on a regular basis. Parliamentary Friendship groups organized in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan play an important role in this, being an important and effective tool for mutual understanding between our fraternal peoples.

During the talk, it was also noted that two major events were held in Turkmenistan in May of this year – the Inter-Parliamentary Forum and the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian States and the Russian Federation. They were held with success, their participants highly appreciated the level of discussions, meetings and negotiations.

After the meeting, Ms.Tanzila Norbaeva invited the head of Turkmenistan to survey the Senate building, its halls intended for meetings, and also acquainted the distinguished guest with the key aspects of the activities of the Upper Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament and the conditions created for the work of senators.

Upon completion of familiarization with the main areas of work of the Upper Chamber of the national Uzbek Parliament, the President of Turkmenistan and the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan warmly said goodbye to each other, confirming the mutual intention of the parties to further develop constructive inter-parliamentary contacts.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov, and left for Samarkand city – famous for its historical and cultural attractions.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev cordially welcomed the distinguished guest at the Samarkand International Airport.

From the air harbor, the joint motorcade of the heads of states proceeded to the memorial complex of the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

Upon arrival, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev went to the Mausoleum of Islam Karimov, where they laid flowers, paying tribute to the memory of the outstanding statesman and politician of Uzbekistan, who also made a significant contribution to the development of friendly, fraternal Turkmen-Uzbek relations.

Then the heads of states proceeded to a specially designated place. According to Islamic traditions, a sheikh reads an ayat from the holy Quran and offers a prayer to the Almighty.

Then the President of Turkmenistan, accompanied by the President of Uzbekistan, visited the sights of the historical and cultural complex of Samarkand, a city that combines the ancient traditions of the East and modernity. Its architectural and archaeological monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In ancient times, this city was located on one of the main routes of the Great Silk Road.

The joint presidential motorcade headed to the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the most significant alike objects of the Middle Ages. It was built in the first half of the 15th century on the highest hill of the city – Kuhak. Here, the heads of states were familiarized with the history of the creation and features of the observatory, which was a three-storeyed cylindrical structure, where a unique instrument was installed – a sextant (or quadrant) with a radius of 40.21 meters. It was used to measure the height of the heavenly bodies above the horizon when they passed through the celestial meridian. Observations were made here, thanks to which a catalog of the starry sky was compiled, including a description of 1,018 stars. The observatory was headed by its creator himself – Ulugbek, the grandson of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the founder and ruler of the Timurid Empire.

The Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan also examined with great interest the exhibits of the museum operating under the observatory – eloquent evidence of the high level of scientific development in the medieval East. During the time of Ulugbek, known not only as a ruler, but also as a talented mathematician, astronomer and educator of his era, many major scientists worked here who made discoveries, having still been used in the world.

Then the heads of states proceeded to the Mausoleum of Tamerlane (“Gur-Emir”). This tomb of royalty is one of the last buildings of the legendary commander and ruler in Samarkand. Erected on the initiative and at the expense of Timur, this Mausoleum is recognized as one of the masterpieces of Central Asian and Islamic architecture. The tomb of the Timurids is distinguished by its simplicity of design and at the same time by the solemn monumentality of architecture.

After visiting the Mausoleum, Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev penetrate to a designated place. In accordance with the Muslim custom, the sheikh reads an ayat from the Koran and offers a prayer to the Almighty.

In continuation of acquaintance with the historical and cultural complex of Samarkand, the heads of states went to Registan Square, which is a kind of the city’s trademark. It houses the famous architectural ensemble of the 15th – 17th centuries, including three madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya-Kori. Registan is one of the remarkable examples of town-planning art of the East and Islamic architecture.

During the tour of the Registan Square complex, the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan were invited to visit Tillya-Kori Madrasah. Construction of this cult, spiritual, educating and educational facility of the 17th century, situated in the northern part of the square, completed its design and gave integrity to the architectural ensemble located here.

During the review, the head of Turkmenistan took a detailed interest in the exhibits of the museum.

After familiarizing himself with the architecture and design of Tillya-Kori Madrasah and the museum’s exposition, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and representatives of the Uzbek side for the well-organized excursion.

Later, the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan took a photo together as a keepsake.

After getting acquainted with the historical and cultural sights of Samarkand, the heads of states proceeded to the Reception Center of distinguished guests.

An official dinner was given here in honor of the distinguished guest on behalf of the Uzbek side, where performances by masters of arts of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place.

Then Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev proceeded together to Samarkand International Airport.

Expressing deep satisfaction with the results of the high-level talks held on the eve, the two heads of states reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to friendly, good-neighborly relations and a reciprocal intention of the parties to develop full-scale cooperation on a mutually beneficial, equal and strategic basis.

Thanking his Uzbek counterpart once again for the warm welcome and hospitality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly said goodbye to him and, having completed the program of the state visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, boarded the plane waiting for him, and left for his Homeland.

Having flied to Ashgabat, the presidential airliner landed at the capital’s International Airport, where the head of state was met by officials.