President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, who is in Tehran for an official visit, met with Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday morning.
In the meeting, also attended by the Turkmen president’s entourage, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, “It is the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government to promote relations with the neighboring countries, and this is quite a correct policy.”
The expansion of relations between Iran and Turkmenistan would totally benefit both nations, Ayatollah Khamenei added, calling for serious resolve to broaden ties and overcome the obstacles.
“However, the friendly relations between Iran and Turkmenistan have opponents at the regional and international levels, but the obstacles should be overcome,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei also urged that Iran-Turkmenistan Cooperation Joint Commission should be seriously active and the bilateral agreements should produce results with constant efforts.
For his part, Berdimuhamedow described the enhancement of relations with the neighbors as the Turkmen government’s top priority.
He also pointed to the cooperation documents signed with Iran earlier in the day, saying his country tries to strengthen the good relations with Iran in various fields, especially in the gas and electricity industries, shipment of goods, and implementation of major projects.
Pointing to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Iran, he expressed gratitude to Ayatollah Khamenei for the permanent support for the promotion of relations between the two countries.
This is the Turkmen president’s first visit to Iran after taking office in March.
Serdar Berdimuhamedow, 40, secured nearly 73 percent of votes in March election to lead the gas-rich country and succeed his father Gurbanguly.