ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 17. Turkmenistan
and Bangladesh agreed to maintain regular government-level contacts
and ensure practical implementation of bilateral agreements.
This was reflected in a press release published by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan following a meeting between
Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Bangladeshi Ambassador Nazrul
Islam.
According to the press release, the sides discussed cooperation
in political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas.
“The sides expressed confidence that the agreements reached
following the consultations will be put into practical application
in the near future,” the ministry said.
The officials also reaffirmed the importance of mutual support
for initiatives aimed at peace, stability and sustainable
development within international and regional organizations.
Turkmenistan and Bangladesh have maintained diplomatic relations
since 1992, with the two sides periodically discussing ways to
broaden political and economic engagement. In 2018, the countries
identified stronger contacts between their foreign ministries and
high-level visits as important for activating bilateral ties, while
cooperation within the UN and the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation was also highlighted.
More recently, Ashgabat and Dhaka have shown interest in
expanding cooperation beyond the existing political dialogue.
Recent discussions have covered trade, investment, energy and other
areas, with the sides also considering a multi-year programme of
action that could provide a framework for new bilateral agreements
in trade and economic cooperation, investment, culture, tourism and
industrial cooperation.
The economic component is particularly relevant as Bangladesh
continues to seek ways to strengthen its energy security and
diversify external economic partnerships, while Turkmenistan is
looking to expand the range of markets and areas for cooperation
beyond its established economic relationships. Bangladesh's
interest in additional energy supplies and Turkmenistan's
substantial gas and oil resources create a potential basis for
further engagement in the energy sector.
