OREANDA-NEWS. July 18, 2011. The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan Commission for economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation, which brought together the heads and leading specialists of leading ministries and departments of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held in a picturesque part of the country, the Avaza national tourism zone.

Opening the meeting, the participants focused with satisfaction on the high dynamics of intergovernmental relations based on historical, cultural and spiritual kinship of the two brotherly nations and successfully developed in compliance with the national priorities and regional interests common to neighbouring states. Underscoring the mutual willingness to enhance further bilateral cooperation, the meeting participants expressed belief that the activity of the Commission would offer a powerful incentive to build up full collaboration in all spheres.

An exchange of views on the prospects for diversifying Turkmen-Kazakh partnerships to implement the bilateral agreements as well as new opportunities opened up to foster mutually beneficial relations took place during the talks. The trade and economic, fuel and energy, transport and communications, fishing, agricultural and tourism sectors that the sides sought to develop in the framework of bilateral and regional cooperation were identified as the priority fields of cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the joint project of the North-South railway which would become the most convenient and cost effective and route between Asia and Europe and serve for the aim of achieving wellbeing and sustainable development at a global level.

Putting emphasis on the significance of humanitarian collaboration, the meeting participants unanimously called for strengthening and expanding educational and scientific contacts as well as the cultural dialogue between the two countries, whose nations were bound with the historical affinities and spiritual kinship.

The Commission members signed the protocol after the meeting was concluded.