Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, who arrived in our country to participate in the International forum organised to mark the International year of peace and trust and the 30^th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

Warmly welcoming the distinguished guest to the capital, Ashgabat, the head of state thanked him for his current visit to our country and for accepting the invitation to participate in the International forum, dedicated to the International year of peace and trust, International neutrality day, and the 30^th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. The President emphasised that participation of President Abdul Latif Rashid in the high-level forum demonstrates his support for neutrality policy of Turkmenistan and the importance he attaches to promoting global peace.

The leader of the friendly country, expressing gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his kind words, emphasised that this was his first visit to our country and praised the achievements of neutral Turkmenistan, which is promoting initiatives to strengthen peace and trust throughout the world. The President of the Republic of Iraq also sincerely congratulated the head of state and the entire Turkmen people on International neutrality day and the 30^th anniversary of permanent neutrality of the country.

The head of state expressed confidence that the International forum will become an important platform for strengthening global peace, enhancing a culture of trust between peoples, and developing joint solutions to contemporary problems, and that the results of current visit of President Abdul Latif Rashid to our country will give new impetus to the expansion of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Iraq.

As noted, the history of relations between Turkmenistan and the countries of the Middle East spans centuries. Currently, developing and strengthening this cooperation is a priority for foreign policy of Turkmenistan.

Relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Iraq, based on friendship, mutual respect, and trust, are constantly expanding. Our countries actively cooperate both bilaterally and within reputable international organisations, primarily the UN.

In this regard, the head of state noted the significant prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries in various fields, reaffirming readiness of Turkmenistan to further develop the established relations. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid reaffirmed commitment of both countries to developing friendly ties, wishing each other good health and success in their responsible public duties.