Gadam Ilamanov, the newly appointed Consul of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan, met with Astrakhan region Governor Igor Babushkin to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
Governor Babushkin highlighted the long-standing friendly ties between Astrakhan and Turkmenistan, emphasizing the importance of expanding trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.
He specifically mentioned projects like establishing a logistics center for Turkmenistan in the Astrakhan port’s special economic zone, launching a regular shipping line between the ports of Turkmenbashi and Astrakhan, increasing bilateral trade and cargo exchange.
The Governor underscored the importance of cooperation with Turkmenistan’s Balkan Velayat and Turkmenbashi city, citing existing cooperation agreements.
He also noted the upcoming 300th anniversary of Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi, whose life had connections to Astrakhan. Governor Babushkin announced plans for poetry evenings, conferences, and other events to mark the occasion.
In turn, consul Ilamanov emphasized Turkmenistan’s commitment to cooperation with Russian regions, including Astrakhan. He expressed confidence in the vast potential for deepening ties and told about planned meetings with Astrakhan government officials to discuss concrete steps.
Ilamanov commended Astrakhan for organizing events dedicated to Magtymguly Fragi and identified education as another promising area for collaboration.
“About two thousand Turkmen citizens study in educational institutions of the Astrakhan region, good conditions for study and everyday life have been created for them, our students speak positively about Astrakhan teachers,” the Consul of Turkmenistan noted.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing confidence that their joint efforts will further strengthen the friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Turkmenistan and the Astrakhan region.///nCa, 16 April 2024