A telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The conversation was prompted by mutual New Year's greetings, which evolved into an in-depth analysis of the achievements of bilateral cooperation in the past year, Orient.tm reports.
The parties noted with satisfaction that the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan has reached a qualitatively new level. Key achievements in 2025 included the launch of the Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone, which has become a driver of interregional and business cooperation, dynamic growth in trade and freight traffic, and expanded cooperation in energy, industry, and agriculture.
President Mirziyoyev particularly emphasized the successful holding of international forums in Ashgabat and Avaza, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the "International Year of Peace and Trust."
In turn, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov praised Uzbekistan's economic success: in 2025, the country's GDP exceeded $145 billion, and the projected growth rate for 2026—6.6%—confirms its confident path to achieving middle-income status. The national leader also welcomed the decision to declare 2026 the "Year of Development of the Mahalla and Society" in Uzbekistan.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is entering 2026 under the motto "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds," symbolizing the country's rapid development.
The leaders agreed on a schedule of meetings for the coming year and agreed to continue jointly hosting major international and regional events. Specifically, they discussed preparations for key summits in 2026 in Turkmenistan—the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as the CIS Council of Heads of State.
The conversation focused on environmental security. The national leader proposed beginning the first days of the new year to begin developing a joint action plan on water issues in the Caspian and Aral regions, as well as in the Amu Darya basin.
The parties also noted the strengthening of "soft power": the participation of the Uzbek delegation led by Saida Mirziyoyeva in the women's conference in Ashgabat and the awarding of the Uzbek Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov with the Jubilee Medal of Turkmenistan became striking symbols of a year ending on a high point of mutual trust.
President Mirziyoyev conveyed warm congratulations to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and wished the Turkmen people peace and prosperity.
The telephone conversation confirmed that Ashgabat and Tashkent remain a reliable pillar of stability, economic growth, and good neighborliness throughout the Central Asian region.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 30, 2025