On September 25, 2023, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was graced by the presence of Igor Babushkin, the Governor of the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation. The head of the regional administration of Russia extended his warmest congratulations to the head of state on his birthday and the 32nd anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan.
I. Babushkin expressed his delight to be in Turkmenistan, with which the Astrakhan region has a long-established relationship of amity and partnership, which is actively progressing in many directions. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the visitor for his kind words and noted that intensifying and further extending the productive dialogue with Russia, including its regions, is one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy.
At the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan and the Governor of the Astrakhan region were pleased with the dynamic progress of the recent relationship between the two countries. The parties discussed the current state and priorities of interaction, as well as the prospects for increasing the range of products in mutual trade. The head of state also indicated his willingness to consider constructive proposals for the use of transport and transit possibilities between the port of Turkmenbashi and the ports of the Astrakhan region.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov further highlighted the desirability of representatives of the private sector of Turkmenistan exploring the possibilities of Astrakhan special economic zones to develop investment cooperation, assuring that Turkmenistan plans to continue fostering partnerships with the Astrakhan region.