Vice President addresses delegation level talks in Turkmenistan

07 Apr '08

3 min read

The Vice-President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari addressed the Delegation Level Talks in Turkmenistan, in the presence of President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhammeov, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers, Mr.Rashid Meredov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Following is the text of Opening Remarks by Shri M. Hamid Ansari:- “I express gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation and for the arrangements made with such care.

I bring to you the greetings and good wishes of Her Excellency the President of India and of the government and people of India.

Turkmenistan is the first country of my visit abroad as Vice President. This is no coincidence; it reflects the importance India attaches to the Central Asian region in general and Turkmenistan in particular.

We in India have been watching with interest and appreciation the reform and development process initiated by Your Excellency. My interaction with Your Excellency earlier today has reaffirmed our views on your dynamism and zeal in modernising your country. The constructive and proactive engagement of the Government of Turkmenistan in the international arena is a welcome development.

We look forward to India engaging more closely with Turkmenistan in various areas of cooperation for mutual benefit. The second meeting of the Inter Governmental Commission held in New Delhi in January 2008 has made wide rangingrecommendations. I had an opportunity then to discuss these issues in New Delhi with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Rashid Meredov. I am happy that we have made a good beginning and are serious about our bilateral engagement.

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