Uzbek head proposes project on creation of transport corridor to Persian Gulf (fuller)

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov proposed to create transport corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar and other states of Persian Gulf in Ashgabat on 19 October 2010.

As earlier reported, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan on 19-20 October on invitation of his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov.

President Islam Karimov underlined that he and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov considered issues on creation corridor generally.

Uzbek leader said: “We with Turkmen President discussed this issue in general and I was not only satisfied, but I was happy that I found full understanding on behalf of Turkmen President that this project, this corridor can open great opportunities for our countries to exit to global markets, which our countries need so much.”

“And I wanted to underline that I am happy that Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov agreed that the initiative is key link in realization of this project. I am sure that Turkmenistan will undertake all possible problems to itself, which could arise on this way, and Uzbekistan will be its assistant.”

Uzbek head said that this is not ordinary project and countries in Persian Gulf are also interested in its implementation. He said: “The countries, which are behind us, are also interested.”

President Karimov: “I mean Turkmenistan. In this case, Turkmenistan is central and linking unit.” He said that if Turkmenistan starts this projects, other countries will welcome it as the project is beneficial for all its participants.

Islam Karimov said: “But this issue is not for one day, but I think will leave here with good mood as this project has serious perspective for both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.”

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stated that he accepted this proposal and will order foreign political and transport bodies of the country to study political and technical aspect of the project.