On May 12, the capital of Austria hosted talks between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer. The day before the Turkmen leader had arrived in Austria on an official visit. According to the Turkmen side’s well-established business tradition of preparing for high-level talks, by the order of the head of Turkmen state members of our country’s representative delegation, who had arrived in Vienna earlier, held many bilateral working meetings, consultations and exchanges of views on specific areas of the Turkmen-Austrian partnership. In the framework of the meetings, held in the sectoral ministries and departments of the Republic of Austria, the participants – government members, heads of ministries and agencies, representatives of government institutions and business circles of Turkmenistan and Austria gave consideration to the topical issues of interstate cooperation in the context of prospects for its further development. In particular, the negotiations resulted in signing the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between the Turkmen State Energy Institute and the Management Center Innsbruck. ...In the morning from his residence in the deluxe “Imperial” Hotel, the Turkmen leader headed towards the historic center of Vienna. The motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the square of the magnificent architectural complex – the “Hofburg” Palace. Here, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov was cordially welcomed by Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer. After the official welcoming ceremony, Federal President Heinz Fischer invited President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov to his office to hold talks in the “one-to-one” format. During the talks, the two countries’ leaders discussed a wide range of issues of the Turkmen-Austrian partnership, having concretely defined its priorities. Having noted that Turkmenistan and Austria have considerable potential and broad prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and Heinz Fischer have confirmed the parties’ readiness for its further intensification. The colleagues also exchanged opinions on the topical issues of regional and international policy of mutual interest. The head of Turkmen state invited the President of the Republic of Austria to pay a visit to Turkmenistan whenever it would be convenient to him. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. The timing of the visit will be negotiated via diplomatic channels. Then, the talks were held with the participation of members of the government delegations of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria. Stating the fruitful character of bilateral interaction at an international level, the Federal President has highlighted that Austria supports Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality and wide international cooperation, as well as our country’s constructive international initiatives, aimed at tackling today’s topical global issues. Federal President Heinz Fischer confirmed Austria’s willingness to deepen and develop fruitful partnership with Turkmenistan in all areas, including the trade-economic sphere with its considerable potential for establishing mutually beneficial business contacts. As noted, Austrian companies have extensive work experience, modern technology, know-how in the priority trends of Turkmenistan’s development. Having outlined cooperation in the energy sector among a number of vital issues, placed on the agenda of the talks, the Federal President of the Republic of Austria expressed support for the policy implemented by Turkmenistan in this sphere and aimed to diversify export routes of energy resources. Speaking of this, Mr. Heinz Fischer stressed European countries’ great interest in natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan – one of the largest suppliers of “blue fuel” to the world markets. “Austria supports those projects that ensure diversification and depoliticization of gas supply routes. This is in perfect harmony with the standpoint of Turkmenistan,” Mr. Heinz Fischer said, having noted that the Turkmen-Austrian Memorandum of Understanding on intensification of cooperation in the field of energy signed in 2011 was one of the first steps towards establishing a relevant contractual legal framework. Partnership in the transport sector is seen among the most promising vectors of bilateral cooperation. The re-creation of the Silk Road, running from China through Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, to Europe is an exceptionally promising route, capable of giving renewed impetus to the development of trade-economic relations on the continent, the President of the Republic of Austria highlighted. Mr. Heinz Fischer also described the cultural-humanitarian sphere as one of the areas of the Turkmen-Austrian partnership, having emphasized great consideration given by the President of Turkmenistan to the development of fruitful relations in the field. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Austrian leader congratulated the Turkmen leader on the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, having noted that representatives of Austria would participate in the upcoming celebrations in Ashgabat in December in honor of the remarkable date. The floor was given to the President of Turkmenistan. The head of Turkmen state defined the coordination of efforts aimed to ensure global and regional stability and security among the important aspects of bilateral partnership, placed on the agenda of the talks. Speaking of the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov cited as an example the fact that Austria had supported Turkmenistan in the election to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for 2013-2015, as well as to the Executive Board of UNESCO for 2013-2017. At the same time, Austria co-authored a draft Resolution “Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation”, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 and 2013 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The head of Turkmen state has emphasized that Turkmenistan also regards Austria as an important partner in the context of a dialogue with the European Union, which has recently gained momentum. In turn, we are ready to contribute to wider cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, and expand the presence of European business in the region, the Turkmen leader stated. As the President of Turkmenistan said, the meeting provides a good opportunity to assess the level and state of the Turkmen-Austrian relations, and to identify joint actions for the future. Turkmenistan, which keeps up a high pace of development, despite signs of the crisis in the world economy, and Austria have many points of contact for advancing trade-economic cooperation. There have been positive tendencies shown in the area recently. The mutual trade turnover between the countries was increased by more than 20 percent in 2014 as compared to 2013. Austrian companies are implementing a number of joint projects in Turkmenistan, including in the fields of construction, tourism, trade, marketing and transport services. Turkmenistan is interested in cooperation with Austria in such sectors of economic activity as machine-building industry, agriculture, food, chemical, pulp and paper, and metallurgical industries, as well as in the sphere of electronic technology, organization of modern production, marketing, management, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Among the priority sectors, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also outlined the field of tourism, in which Austria is one of the world’s leaders. Participation of Austrian partners in the development of the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone, located on the Caspian Sea coast, offers bright prospects. Private business is destined to play a crucial role in promoting the bilateral trade-economic relations. Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and Austria have good traditions of partnership; it is necessary to make the most of this potential, the head of state said. In this context, the Turkmen leader spoke in favor of advancing business exchanges, establishing Business Councils, holding specialized exhibitions in both countries. The power industry and the transport sector are considered as upcoming trends, in which the cooperation between the two countries can take on a strategic character, the President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov continued. As the President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted, there are obvious strategic prospects for cooperation in the transport sector, in the development of transport-transit corridors between Asia and Europe through the regions of Central Asia and the Caspian basin to Central and Southern Europe. Currently, Turkmenistan in partnership with a number of neighboring countries is creating an extensive network of transport-transit and logistic infrastructure in the “East–West” and “North–South” directions, which includes road, rail, air transportation and marine transport operations. This opens up the most favorable access route to European and Middle Eastern markets via the territory of Central Asia. Turkmenistan will welcome Austria’s participation in the interregional transportation projects, the head of state emphasized, having spoken for activating cooperation within the specialized international agencies, in particular the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Pending the subject, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has noted that due to objective reasons, the issues of cooperation in the energy sector are of particular importance to Turkmenistan. The country has enormous hydrocarbon resources, whose potential has been confirmed by international experts. The solid resource base enables to make long-term contracts for steady supplies of energy. Currently there are three valid agreements on three pipeline projects: Turkmenistan-Russia, Turkmenistan-China and Turkmenistan-Iran. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, which is well under way, is a promising vector of diversification of Turkmen energy flows. The possibilities of supplying Turkmen energy resources to Europe are being considered seriously and with interest. The humanitarian ties traditionally play a significant part in cooperation between our countries, the Turkmen leader noted. In this context, the work of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, the successful creative activity of the “Galkynysh” Joint Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Culture Days held in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan Culture Days in Austria were cited as eloquent examples. At the same time, the Viennese Balls held in the Turkmen capital have become a wonderful tradition. As President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted, this year, the Turkmen people together with the global community are celebrating the historic date – the 20th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. The Republic of Austria was one of the states, which supported the decision of the UN General Assembly. The country, like Turkmenistan pursues a neutral, peace-loving foreign policy, the Turkmen leader said, having invited the President of Austria to participate in the International Conference and the celebrations to be held in Ashgabat in December of the current year. Upon completion of the talks, the ceremony of signing bilateral documents took place in the “Maria Theresa” Hall with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan and the Federal President of the Republic of Austria. The documents signed are: the Convention between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Austria for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and on capital; the Program of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria for 2015-2016; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria. The talks resulted in signing the Joint Statement of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria on further strengthening of the bilateral relations. Then, the two countries’ leaders made an address to the press. After the summit talks an official dinner in honor of the eminent Turkmen guest was given on behalf of the Federal President of the Republic of Austria in the “Musikzimmer” Hall of the “Hofburg” Palace, at which the leaders of two states exchanged speeches. From the “Hofburg” Palace, the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the Art History Museum, located in the heart of Vienna in Maria Theresa Square. It is a part of the architectural ensemble of the Maria-Theresien-Platz together with another nearly identical building – the Natural History Museum, a beautiful little park and the monument to the Empress. Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer and the Director General of the Art History Museum of Vienna Ms. Sabine Haag warmly welcomed the head of Turkmen state. The head of the Museum invited the eminent guests to proceed to the foyer, and introduced the President of Turkmenistan to the history of the unique repository of cultural heritage and monuments of art. The Art Gallery, which features the paintings by Western European painters of the XIV–XVIII centuries, is considered a true treasure house of the Art History Museum. The President of Turkmenistan began his get-acquainted visit to the museum with it. Countless masterpieces of Western Art, including the “Madonna in Green” by Raphael, portraits by Velasquez, masterpieces by Vermeer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian, and Tintoretto are on display in the exquisitely designed halls. The Museum has the world’s largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel – half of all the works created by the artist in different years are displayed here. The gem of the collection is the paintings of the famous series – “The Seasons”. Then, the head of the Museum acquainted the high guest with the unique exhibits of the “Salieri”, “Rudolf II”, “Exotic” and “Ivory” Halls. Rarities from the former Treasury, and the “Cabinet of Curiosities” of the dynasty of the Habsburgs, the Cabinet of Curiosities (Kunstkammer) of Emperor Rudolf II, whose collection is ranked among the world’s largest cabinets of curiosities, and displays jewelry of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque. Ivory carvings, bronze statuettes, scientific instruments, watches and kitchenware, toys and specialized technical devices are of great interest. The Turkmen leader was also acquainted with the collection of Egyptian and Middle Eastern treasures, considered one of the most significant in the world thanks to the representative collection of ancient Egyptian monuments of the Old Kingdom (3100 – circa 2270 BC). Attention of the head of Turkmenistan was captured by carpets and carpet products –works by craftsmen from around the world – gifts to the Austrian Emperors of the House of Habsburg, in particular, a big tapestry with a clear image of some plant species, which is not only an art work, but also an original manual on floristics. The large collection also features a tapestry with the coat of arms of Charles V. Having highly appraised the value of the exhibits – samples of ancient history and culture of mankind, the head of Turkmen state drew parallels with the evidence of the ancient civilization, discovered by archaeologists in the territory of Turkmenistan, in particular in Old Nisa and Ancient Margiana, in this regard, referring to the sensational discoveries made by outstanding scientists – V. Sarianidi and V. Masson. Findings of many archaeological expeditions have enriched the Turkmen museums’ collections, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Upon completion of the get-acquainted visit to the museum, the head of Turkmen state expressed sincere gratitude to the Director General of the museum on behalf of the delegation of Turkmenistan for the excellently organized tour to the museum – a unique center, which houses the collections of masterpieces of Western Art. Having wished the head of the Art History Museum success in her important work on preserving and promoting the world’s cultural heritage, the Turkmen leader presented Sabine Haag with a gift – a magnificent Turkmen carpet and gave detailed insight into the centuries-old history of national carpet making – the Turkmen people’s true cultural heritage. After saying warm parting words to his colleague – the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, and the Director General of the Art History Museum, the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the Federal Chancellery of the Republic of Austria. Federal Chancellor of Austria Mr. Werner Faymann welcomed the head of Turkmenistan in the “Steins” Hall of the Federal Chancellery. During the meeting, an exchange of views was held on a wide range of the Turkmen-Austrian cooperation, for the intensification of which there are all conditions and potentialities available, according to a shared opinion of the parties. Touching upon the trade-economic relations, and noting a noticeable trend for their steady development, the head of Turkmenistan has emphasized that at present the mutual trade turnover does not reflect the two states’ capacities, and spoke for advancing the partnership relations not only between the two countries’ government agencies, but also between private enterprises of Turkmenistan and Austria. To this end, we are ready to consider possibilities of organizing joint business forums, exhibitions, fairs, exchanges of concrete proposals to promote cooperation between entrepreneurs and the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries, the head of Turkmenistan said. In his turn, the head of Austrian government confirmed great interest of his country’s business circles in the promising Turkmen market; more and more companies are willing to enter it, including leaders of European business. Industry, transport and telecommunications, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors were outlined as top-priority areas of economic partnership. Special theme of discussion was prospects of cooperation in the fuel-energy sector, given Turkmenistan’s enormous resource potential. According to a mutual opinion, the cultural-humanitarian field plays a special role in developing interstate cooperation. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted keen interest of the Turkmen side in promoting cooperation between the two countries’ educational and academic institutions, as well as in the participation of Austrian scientists in international scientific forums, held in Turkmenistan. The parties also spoke for expanding the traditional cultural contacts as an important factor of closer relations between the two countries and peoples. We have deep respect for the rich original culture of your nation and are convinced that the same attitude towards the Turkmen people’s historical heritage exists in Austria, the Turkmen leader said, having noted the wisdom of holding Culture Days and joint festivals, aimed to promote cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Having highlighted that this year our country is celebrating the 20th anniversary since the adoption of the Resolution of the UN General Assembly “On Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality”, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov invited the Federal Chancellor of Austria to take part in the high-level International Conference to be held in Ashgabat in December with the participation of heads of states and governments. Concluding the meeting, the parties stressed the intention to deepen and expand fruitful cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of their peoples. From the Federal Chancellery of the Republic of Austria, the Turkmen leader proceeded to his guest residence in the Imperial Hotel, where he met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, and received President of the Austrian-Turkmen Society Neda Berger. In the evening, a joint dinner was given for the members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan and businessmen of Austria’s leading companies, in the course of which consideration was given to the prospects for cooperation between the two countries’ business communities in a number of topical areas.