Turkey-Turkmenistan economic relations to be improved

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Turkmenistan President Gurbanguli Berdimuhammedov at Turkmenbasi Airport. Erdogan stated that Turkey and Turkmenistan must sustain the understanding of two states-one nation by strenghthening especially the economical relations. Berdimuhammedov indicated that trade relations with Turkey are at very good level, bilaterel trade volume increased 23 percent in proportion to the previous year and they are striving to enhance this ratio by stating that as the first state, which recognized the indepence of Turkmenistan, Turkey is helping in every field to them, supporting Turkmenistan in international institutions and organizations. "Roads, bridges and ports are all useful works. Turkey and Turkish companies are helping us doing useful work," Turkmenistan President Berdimuhammedov said. Berdimuhammedov also said that the projects of Turkish companies in Turkmenistan are very welcomed by international organizations and experts. Having reminded that Turkish President Abdullah Gul joined in Turkic Council in Azerbaijan, Erdogan forwarded Gul's greetings to Berdimuhammedov. Erdogan said they would be glad to host Berdimuhammedov in Turkey at the fourth summit of Turkic Council. Indicating that religious and cultural dimensions of the relations between two countries are as important as historical dimension, Erdogan stated that they wish the continuation of bilateral relations in military, political, trade and economical fields by increasing them. By stating both countries have the will for increasing the trade volume, PM Erdogan said that Turkish companies will sustain infrastructure and superstructure activites by increasing. "I believe the establishment of the equivalent of Turkish-Turkmen University which had been established here, is also very significant," PM Erdogan said. Erdogan also wanted Turkmenistan to be more active in international institutions and organizations by stating Turkey would always be on Turkmenistan's side in international relations. Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Y?ld?z and several AK Party officials also joined the meeting.