President Gül Hosts Official Dinner in Honor of President Berdimuhamedov

President Gül, during his speech at the official dinner he hosted in honor of President Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan at the Çankaya Presidential Palace, maintained that the existing bilateral relations between the two countries are in its golden age and noted that “our aim is to add new dimensions to our cooperation.” Following the dinner, President Berdimuhammedov presented the International Mahtumkulu Prize to President Gül.

President Abdullah Gül hosted an official dinner in honor of President Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan at the Çankaya Presidential Palace.

HEYDAY IN TURKISH-TURKMEN RELATIONS

Sharing his happiness at welcoming his Turkmen guests to Turkey, President Gül said that 12 state level visits have been made mutually between the two countries in the last 7 years. “This is a tangible demonstration of both the existing fraternity between the two countries and the golden era of these relations. Our aim is to add new dimensions to our cooperation. I would like to welcome our valuable guests bringing here the sweet breeze from our ancestral homeland, Turkmenistan. I also would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Turkmen brothers for sharing our sadness about the mine disaster occuring in Soma. You have demonstrated that we belong to the same nation who share  both sorrows and joys.”

ROBUST FRATERNITY BETWEEN TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN

Turkey and Turkmenistan, the foundations of whose amity were laid centuries ago, are moving forward hand in hand, noted the President, saying: “Being aware of the principle, ‘One nation and two states’, we are making tireless efforts to fortify our relations in all areas. As part of this principle, we are making contributions to the development projects Turkmenistan has accelerated in recent years. We enjoy robust cooperation in many areas ranging from trade, tourism and construction to energy, agriculture and petrochemistry. I would like to extend my thanks to my brother President Berdimuhamedov for his trust in Turkish firms that are carrying out huge projects in Turkmenistan. Through our joint efforts, we are also making contributions to the development and prosperity of Central Asia and the Caspian Basin.”

COOPERATION AREAS IN CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Another important dimension that adds value to the cooperation between the two countries is the collaboration in culture and education, said the President, declaring that the best investment that can be made is to raise the youth as individuals who can read the spirit of time. “As part of this, we regard the 8.000 students who receive education in both countries as a robust bridge between Turkey and Turkmenistan. The future of Turkish-Turkmen bilateral relations will rise on the shoulders of our youth.”

MARKING THE 290TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF MAHTUMKULU

President Gül further maintained that the 290th anniversary of the birth of great folk poet and thinker of Turkmenistan, Mahtumkulu Firaki, will be marked this year and noted that several activities will continue to be held all year long to commemorate this common value of the two countries. The President further underscored the importance of cherishing the value of such great names who are common treasures of countries.

As for Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov, he agreed with what President Gül reiterated as to the importance of keeping and consolidating the existing amity and fellowship that Turkey and Turkmenistan enjoy and noted that they have the necessary will to boost the cooperation between the two countries in political, trade, economic, cultural and scientific areas.

PRESIDENT GÜL GIVEN INTERNATIONAL MAHTUMKULU PRIZE

President Berdimuhamedov further accentuated the significance of being aware of the value of great names like Mahtumkulu, as he said, he is a treasure for the world of literature. The Turkmen President later pointed out that President Gül would be presented with the International Mahtumkulu Prize, adding: “I would like to congratulate you on receiving such an important prize and I wish the best for you in your efforts toward the well-being of the Turkish people and I also wish our Turkish brothers and sisters every happiness.”

President Gül, after receiving the International Mahtumkulu Prize, offered his thanks to his Turkmen counterpart and promised that “I will accept this award with honor which is a tangible demonstration of our amity.”

All News