Turkmenistan International Relations

President Berdymukhamedov Visits Istanbul
On August 9, on the first day of his visit to Turkey, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov met President of Turkey Abdullah Gul for talks in Istanbul. The two leaders discussed previous agreements and perspectives on partnership development. In their talks, they focused on developing transport infrastructure and modernizing and equipping seaports. President Gul said that major Turkish businesses are interested in expanding their cooperation with Turkmenistan and noted the “complete understanding between the parties in many important questions of trade and economic ties and international relationships in general.” This is Berdymukhamedov’s second visit to Turkey in 2012.
Sources: Turkmenistan.ru, Turkmenistan.ru, trend.az, trend.az    

Berdymukhamedov’s Motorcade Got Into Accident in Turkey
On August 10, a Mercedes from President Berdymukhamedov’s motorcade collided with a vehicle of Turkish media representatives, on the road from Izmir, Turkey. The accident led to the subsequent collision of four more Mercedes from Berdymukhamedov’s motorcade, injuring several drivers and members of the presidential security team. Berdymukhamedov himself did not suffer any injuries.
Source: centrasia.ru 

President of Turkmenistan receives the head of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
President Berdymukhamedov welcomed the head of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Mr. Ma Xingrui. During the meeting the President and his guest discussed the potential for cooperation in space exploration through the development of partnerships between the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and the National Space Agency under the President of Turkmenistan, which is responsible for monitoring the near-earth orbit, adjusting satellite communication, and conducting space research, as well as the control of the artificial Earth satellite of Turkmenistan. Agreements on China’s participation in Turkmenistan’s space program were reached in November of 2011, during Berdymukhamedov’s official visit to Beijing.
Source: Turkmenistan.gov.tm 

CPPCC Leader meets Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister
On August 10, in Beijing, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Luo Fuhe, met with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister, Biagul Nurmyradova, who is in charge of cultural affairs, according to Xinhua News agency. Luo Fuhe praised the relationship between China and Turkmenistan and said that during 20 years of the diplomatic relations friendly ties and partnership has been growing steadily.
Source: regnum.ru 

Turkmenistan accedes to UN Convention on Use of Transboundary Watercourses
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) welcomed the decision of the Turkmen Parliament to join the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. Turkmenistan is to become the 39th Party to the UNECE Water Convention 90 days after submitting its instrument of accession with the United Nations Secretary-General.
Source: trend.az, unece.org  

Security Council reaffirms role of preventive diplomacy for stability in Central Asia
On August 7, the UN Security Council held consultations on the performance of the Regional UN Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA). The Council voiced its support for the role that preventive diplomacy and early warning mechanisms play in settling disputes peacefully, and praised the work carried out by the Center to strengthen this practice in the region. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Miroslav Jenca, reported on the work of the UNRCCA, which Mr. Jenca also heads. Established in 2007 at the initiative of the governments of the five Central Asian countries and based in Turkmenistan’s capital city, Ashgabat, UNRCCA is a special political mission which works to promote dialogue between the region’s governments in finding solutions for emerging problems and eliminating potential threats.
Source: un.org 

Turkmenistan Took Part in Exhibition EXPO-2012 in Korea
The closing ceremony for the 2012-EXPO International Exposition in Yeosu, Korea, was held on August 12. The event gathered representatives of 104 countries, including Turkmenistan, 10 international organizations, including the UN, as well as numerous companies. The main part of Turkmenistan’s exposition was dedicated to the Avaza tourist report on the Caspian Sea.
Source: Turkmenistan.gov.tm 

Ashgabat, Moscow Hold Constructive Intergovernmental Dialogue – Berdymukhamedov
During a governmental meeting, President Berdymukhamedov, “stressed constructive international dialogue, reaffirming Turkmenistan's continued commitment to friendly relations and full-scale cooperation with the Russian Federation, which is one of the major strategic partners of our country," the Russian-language state newspaper Neitralniy Turkmenistan newspaper reported. Trade turnover between the two countries grew by more than 34 percent in 2011 as compared to 2010, and has grown by 41.5 percent during the first half of 2012. Turkmenistan has registered 186 companies and 206 investment projects in collaboration with Russian companies.
Source: trend.az