The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to Antalya, Türkiye, met today with the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Before the meeting, Hero-Arkadag and the head of Türkiye were photographed against the backdrop of the national flags of the two countries.

Warmly welcoming Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Türkiye and take part in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, emphasizing the trusting, fruitful nature of the interstate dialogue, which, thanks to joint efforts, acquires new concrete content every year.

Expressing gratitude for the kind words, Hero-Arkadag National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that strengthening strategic relations with the Republic of Türkiye is one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the invitation to take part in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, taking the opportunity, cordially congratulated the head of Türkiye on his 70th birthday, and also conveyed warm words of greetings, congratulations and best wishes from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

As noted, for special services in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples, a huge personal contribution to the expansion of long-term interstate cooperation, by Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, the Turkish leader was awarded the title «Hormatly il ýaşulusy» of Turkmenistan. Congratulating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on this high title, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty wished him good health, longevity and great success in responsible activities at the highest government position.

According to the established good tradition of our people, on the occasion of the anniversary, Hero-Arkadag presented the national Turkmen ichmek as a gift to the Turkish leader. This outerwear item is made of pure yellow leather and decorated with embroidery and ornaments. As is known, according to a long-standing custom, ichmek is awarded as a sign of special gratitude to people who enjoy high respect and honour. The Turkmen ichmek is also distinguished by the fact that it can be worn at any time of the year.

Having expressed sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the congratulations, good wishes and honour bestowed, the head of the Republic of Türkiye emphasized that he considers awarding him the honourary title «Hormatly il ýaşulusy» of Turkmenistan as a visible symbol of the inviolability of relations of friendship and brotherhood between our countries and peoples.

Continuing the meeting, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted with satisfaction the high level of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation. It was emphasized that bilateral relations, based on the historically established commonality of our peoples, are successfully developing across their entire spectrum: in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. It was noted that in strengthening the multi-vector partnership, Turkmenistan and Turkey proceed from the principle of «One nation, two states», which serves as a solid foundation for constructive interaction - both on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

At the end of the meeting, a ceremony for signing bilateral documents took place.

The following were signed:

– Declaration of intent on cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon resources between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Türkiye;

– Memorandum of mutual cooperation on the development of partnership in the field of natural gas between the State Concern «Türkmengaz» and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye;

– Memorandum of Understanding between the Open Joint Stock Company «Turkmenistan Airlines» and the University of the Turkish Aeronautics Association.