Rouhani: Iran determined to promote ties with Turkmenistan
President Hassan Rouhani said Iran is determined to promote its ties with all neighbors, including Turkmenistan.
In a meeting with visiting Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Raşit Öwezgeldiýewiç Meredow on Saturday, President Rouhani said, “There is no obstacle in the way of development of relations between the two countries and it is essential that these relations further develop in all ¿elds”, the president’s of¿cial website reported.
He also emphasized that rapid implementation of agreements in the sectors of energy swap, electricity transfer, transit and trade is in the interests of the two nations.
“Iranian companies are ready to provide technical-engineering services to Turkmenistan and implement motorway and road construction projects,” Rouhani said.
“Facilitating travel between the two countries and developing tourism can deepen relations between the two countries in all ¿elds as well,” he added.
Rouhani also described development of relations in scienti¿c and academic ¿elds, as well as modern technologies as essential.
He invited his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov to make a visit to Iran.
During the meeting, Turkmenistan’s foreign minister underlined that Ashgabat is determined to cement relations with Tehran, saying that his country seeks long-term contracts with Tehran in all ¿elds of mutual interest.
The two countries have great potential for cooperation in the energy and transportation industries, Meredow said, adding that during his visit, he will discuss with Iranian of¿cials the implementation of energy swap and transportation agreements.
Earlier in the day, the Turkmen of¿cial held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Zarif welcomed the development of political, economic and cultural cooperation with Turkmenistan.
“We have no limits in the way of boosting cooperation and are ready to expand and develop mutual relations with the neighboring country, Turkmenistan,” Zarif said.