On the 30th of July 2019, the first political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia were held in the city of Riyadh. The Turkmen delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs B.G.Matiyev. The delegation of Saudi Arabia was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political and Economic Affairs Dr. Adel bin Siraj Mirdad.
After exchanging warm greetings, the parties noted the friendly appeal inherent to Turkmen-Saudi relations. During the meeting, the parties thoroughly discussed the key aspects of bilateral cooperation in political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. They also spoke about the vital role of bilateral visits on high level which promote further development of strategic partnership.
The diplomats noted that both states successfully cooperate in the framework of reputable international organizations, primarily the United Nations. In recent years, the inter-parliamentary ties have strengthened. The parties underlined the necessity of continuing the exchange of parliamentary delegations for the strengthening of legal basis of the bilateral cooperation.
They also highlighted the growth of trade-economic relations. In this context, the positive role of Intergovernmental Turkmen-Saud Commission on Trade-Economic Cooperation was noted. The diplomats noted the necessity of holding the meetings of this Commission on regular basis. It was stated that the countries successfully collaborate in the area of energy, mining industry, construction and tourism. The parties considered the opportunities for the development of trade turnover in the sphere of textile industry. Also the possibilities of delivering the Turkmen carpets to the Saudi Arabia were regarded.
Besides, the parties spoke about the issues of widening cultural-humanitarian cooperation. The unity of cultural and moral values was underlined. In recent years, the collaboration between the research centers of two countries has grown. The Days of Culture are held on regular basis between the two countries which promotes the cultural ties between the brotherly nations.
In the end of the talks, the parties noted that presence of vast opportunities for further development of Turkmen-Saudi relations in different areas.
