Uzbekistan has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan in the energy sector, including the import of electricity, gas and oil products from the country.

The interest was expressed during the talks between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in an extended format with the participation of the two countries delegations in Uzbek capital Tashkent on Thursday, according to the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek side stressed that the strengthening of bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan is a priority of Uzbekistan's foreign policy.

The parties noted with delight that the two countries wield all the capacities for maintaining the positive dynamics and doubling the volumes of trade in the years to come. The decisions to create Uzbek-Turkmen border trade zone and open trading houses in the capitals would facilitate this, according to the statement.

Focusing on the transport ties, the officials stated that last year, the cargo transportation between the countries grew by 17%, adding that this trend will continue this year as well. The parties have expressed interest in creating favorable conditions for effective utilization of the transit potential of the region's countries, including through mutual provision of privileges and discounts for cargo transportation.

Touching upon water cooperation issues, Mirziyoyev noted with satisfaction the signing of the historic agreement on Amudarya river, which will serve to ensure rational use of water resources in the region.

The Turkmen side expressed interest in diversifying and increasing trade turnover and developing industrial cooperation.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, “Among the specific industries where our countries have great potential we would highlight the agro-industrial complex, energy, chemical and petrochemical industry, machine building, textiles and pharmaceuticals.”

“There are serious opportunities to build up partnerships between business communities. In recent years, cross-border ties have intensified. We expect to continue and expand cooperation with Uzbekistan," Berdimuhamedov added.

At the end of the talks, the Heads of States instructed the governments of the two countries to ensure implementation of the agreements and report on their implementation on a monthly basis.