As part of an official visit of the National Leader of the people of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, to Tajikistan, top level negotiations between the two countries took place at the Palace of Nation in Dushanbe on April 4.  

The Tajik president’s official website says that during the official meetings and negotiations, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who is also Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty (the People's Council) of Turkmenistan, discussed all aspects of interstate relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, the parties reportedly emphasized the importance of continuing regular political dialogue at all levels and pointe dot the necessity of expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in the interests of both sides was called important.

They outlined sectors like oil and gas production, metallurgy, chemistry, agriculture, transport and cargo shipment as areas that could drive the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.  

It was considered important to expand cooperation between the regions of the countries through expanding cooperation between entities and establishing ties between sister cities of the two countries.

Issues of strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation were also discussed at the meeting.

The parties also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.    

Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were established on January 23, 1993 by signing of the Protocol "On the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan."

The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan has functioned in Ashgabat since February 1993. The Embassy of Turkmenistan operates in Dushanbe as well.

In general, the current state of the Tajik-Turkmen relations has a tendency of phased expansion.  The process of practical implementation of the mutual desire of the two countries to work more closely in multi-dimensional cooperation in accordance with the potential and needs of the people reportedly can be seen in bilateral relations.