Press Release

EAM’s visit to Turkmenistan

19/09/2009

External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna, accompanied by a high-level delegation paid an official visit to Turkmenistan on 18-19 September 2009, during which a Programme of Cooperation was signed between the two Foreign Offices by EAM and his Turkmen counterpart.

EAM called on the Turkmen President and during the meeting, which lasted more than one hour, he offered India’s assistance to Turkmenistan in hydrocarbon sector by way of using expertise of Indian companies in the sector. EAM also offered to set up a fertilizer plant in Turkmenistan. He also offered to establish an ‘Urdu Chair’ in a Turkmen University on the pattern of ‘Hindi Chair’ already established in Ashgabat. EAM also desired India’s willingness to cooperate in areas of agriculture, tourism, railways, road construction, transport and IT. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of bilateral interest and regional importance. The Turkmen President was highly appreciative of India’s historical relations with Turkmenistan and agreed to cooperate in mutually beneficial areas.

During official talks between EAM and his Turkmen counterpart, many issues were discussed, including bilateral agreements between the two countries on trade & economic cooperation, educational and cultural exchange programs, science and technology and relaxation in visa policy. EAM also handed over an MOU to Turkmen side for the establishment of a ‘India-Turkmenistan Centre for Information Technology’, in Ashgabat, by Government of India. Both the Ministers expressed satisfaction on growing relations and cooperation between the two countries. The Turkmen side also emphasized the need to further explore cultural exchange programs through visits by cultural troupes from both sides.

The delegation led by EAM, also had detailed discussions with Turkmen Deputy PM, in-Charge of Oil and Gas sectors, for enhancing cooperation and grater fruitful cooperation in gas and oil sector. The TAPI project was also discussed in detail with the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy PM in-Charge of Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan.

Ashgabat
September 19, 2009