​President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to Kazan, met with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation Rustam Minnikhanov.

Having cordially welcomed the distinguished guest and thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Kazan in order to participate in the XVI BRICS Summit, the Rais of Tatarstan stressed the progressive nature of Turkmen-Tatarstan relations based on historically established ties of friendship and actively developing across its entire spectrum.

Thanking for the warm welcome and hospitality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the results of the current visit will serve to strengthen and expand traditional relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, where our country attaches great importance to cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the head of state conveyed warm greetings to the head of Tatarstan from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Noting the high level of the XVI BRICS Summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the successful holding of this representative forum and the achievement of the goals set within its framework.

Expressing gratitude for the kind words, the head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Hero Arkadag, emphasizing the significant contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the development of fruitful bilateral cooperation. Taking the opportunity, Rustam Minnikhanov noted the importance of the International Forum "The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the basis of Peace and Development", recently held in Ashgabat at a high level, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and thinker of the East Makhtumkuli Fragi, in strengthening friendship between peoples.

During the meeting, an interested exchange of views took place on priority issues of the Turkmen-Tatarstan partnership. In this regard, it was emphasized that regular meetings and contacts at the highest level are one of the main factors of systematic and effective bilateral cooperation.

Expressing confidence that multifaceted bilateral cooperation will continue to develop dynamically within the framework of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov exchanged wishes for good health and success in responsible government activities.

Then the ceremony of awarding the head of Turkmenistan with the Order of the Republic of Tatarstan "Duslyk" took place.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was awarded this high state award for special merits in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tatarstan, other subjects of the Russian Federation, for significant contribution to the development of bilateral trade, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural interaction.

In a solemn ceremony, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation presented the Order of Duslyk to the President of Turkmenistan, expressing cordial congratulations and best wishes in this regard.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the great honor, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that this award is a confirmation of the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tatarstan, which is an important component of the Turkmen-Russian strategic partnership.

Let this high award, the head of Turkmenistan said, become another symbol of the inviolability of our mutually beneficial relations.

Expressing gratitude to Rais Rustam Minnikhanov for awarding the Order of Duslyk, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the fraternal people of Tatarstan well-being and prosperity.