Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to deepen political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation following President Serdar Berdymuhamedov’s state visit to Tashkent, where he held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on November 17.

The summit began in a narrow format at the Kuksaroy Residence, where both leaders emphasized the significance of the visit in strengthening the growing strategic partnership. They noted the increasing dialogue across various sectors and highlighted recent cultural initiatives, including the Days of Turkmen Culture and Cinema held in Urgench and Tashkent.

Bilateral trade continues to grow, having surpassed $1 billion last year, supported by rising freight flows through the Turkmenbashi port. The presidents explored new opportunities to boost mutual trade and deepen cooperation in industry, energy, transport, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and water management. They also agreed to expand interregional collaboration and to convene the next Forum of Regions in Khiva.

Talks then continued in an expanded format with the participation of both delegations. Mirziyoyev stated that the visit reflects the “centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness,” and he praised Turkmenistan’s progress under the leadership of Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.

The two sides agreed to work toward increasing trade to $2 billion by expanding the range of goods and more effectively utilizing the free trade regime. They noted that the newly launched Shavat-Dashoguz cross-border trade zone would play a key role in achieving this target and agreed to replicate the model in other regions, starting with the Alat-Farab corridor.

Industrial cooperation is set to expand, with both sides encouraging businesses to launch joint projects in sectors such as building materials, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In the energy sector, the two countries plan to embark on larger-scale cooperative projects, including the development of promising natural resource deposits. Transport cooperation will also deepen through joint development of the Turkmenbashi port and the resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and Ashgabat.

The presidents instructed their governments to ensure timely implementation of all agreements by holding regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council. They also committed to intensifying collaboration in culture, education, youth exchanges, filmmaking, healthcare, and medical science.

Following the talks, the leaders jointly inaugurated the Shavat-Dashoguz trade zone, which includes customs, quarantine, and veterinary services, as well as warehouse facilities, a trade pavilion, and public services operating under a single-window system. The zone is expected to significantly boost economic ties between Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region and Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz region, which together are home to more than 3.5 million people.

At a ceremony held at Kuksaroy, Berdymuhamedov was awarded the “Oliy Darajali Dustlik” Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor. Mirziyoyev said the award reflects Turkmenistan’s contributions to strengthening friendship, trust, and strategic partnership. Berdymuhamedov expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

The two sides signed a Joint Statement and oversaw the exchange of intergovernmental and interagency agreements covering trade, healthcare, agriculture, transport, biological safety, justice, forestry, and regional cooperation.

The Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan summit concluded the same day. As part of his visit, Berdymuhamedov also participated in the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.