DOHA/Ashgabat: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his first-ever visit to Turkmenistan yesterday met with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and discussed bilateral ties and means to develop them in different spheres particularly energy economy investments and sports.

Turkmenistan President welcomed the Emir at the presidential complex in Ashgabat saying that the past years have seen distinct and fruitful between the two countries in political economic and commercial spheres. The visit marks 20 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Several agreements were signed during the visit

In a joint statement with the President of Turkmenistan following the session of talks the Emir expressed his confidence that his visit will enhance bilateral relations while underlining the importance attached by both sides to promote relations.

The talks also dealt with a range of issues of common concern particularly the current challenges and crises facing the world and how to deal with them.

The Emir pointed out that Foreign Minister was mandated to head the joint committee between the two countries while for Turkmenistan it will be headed by its foreign minister.

The Turkmenistan President said that the joint committee will follow up on the approved decisions and joint projects. Yesterday’s talks the Emir said dealt with cooperation in culture arts and sport and how the joint committee and working teams will coordinate in different fields.

The Emir said that both countries enjoy ample natural resources stressing the importance of mutual cooperation to make use of expertise and investment in this regard.

The Emir congratulated the Turkman president on his country’s hosting of Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017.

He added that the two sides discussed Qatar’s experience in organizing mega sport events along with programs initiated by Qatar for community health and combating global epidemics welcoming cooperation with Turkmenistan to benefit from Qatar experience in organizing Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017.

The Emir hailed the great progress attained by Turkmenistan in different sectors expressing readiness for boosting cooperation between the two sides in economy and energy and in increasing trade exchange.

The Emir concluded his statement by inviting the President of Turkmenistan to visit Qatar.

President of Turkmenistan said that the talks opened new chapter of cooperation between both countries and their peoples.

He also hailed Qatar’s unlimited support for his country in international forums lauding the 20 years diplomatic relations between the two countries. The agreements signed during the meeting will promote trade exchange and help in finding economy and investment opportunities through the Qatar- Turkmenistan joint committee along with the available opportunities in culture science education and sport.

The Emir visited the Olympic City which will host the 2017 Asian Games in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat. During the visit the Emir examined a replica of the city and listened to a briefing on its facilities such as stadiums and sporting halls. He watched an exhibition of Turkmen products.

The Emir and President Berdimuhamedow visited the presidential equestrian complex and witnessed a Turkmen horses’ show. Members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir were present.

The Emir attended a dinner banquet hosted at Oguz Khan Complex in his and his delegation’s honour by President Berdimuhamedow.

Several ministers senior Turkmenistan officials and ambassadors attended.

Later the Emir left for Azerbaijan wrapping up a two-day state visit.

The Emir was seen off upon departure at Saparmurat Turkmenbashi International Airport by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov the Qatari ambassador to Turkmenistan Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi a number of Turkmenistani officials and the Qatari embassy staff.

The Emir sent a cable to President Berdimuhamedow in which he expressed thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and honouring accorded to him and his accompanying delegation during the visit.

The Emir arrived in Baku yesterday evening on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

He was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yaqub Eyyubov Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov Qatari Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sayar bin Abdulrahman Al Mauda and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Qatar Tofig Abdullayev and Qatari embassy staff.

The Peninsula