President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived on an official visit to Ashgabat on 13 December on the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov.

The official welcoming ceremony of the head of Uzbekistan was held at the palace of the President of Turkmenistan. The state anthems of the two countries were played. The heads of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan passed the guard of honor.

At the face-to-face talks, the presidents noted that the relations between the two countries were developing successfully. They expressed confidence that visit of the head of Uzbekistan would boost the bilateral cooperation, which is based on mutual trust, respect and interest.

The heads of the states discussed the present state and perspectives of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as regional and international problems representing mutual interest. In particular, they considered aspects of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, and strengthening regional security and stability.