"We are confident that this action will bring ADB even closer to all our clients in Turkmenistan, and in the process create the right conditions for an effective long term partnership," Mr. Kuroda said at a reception attended by Government of Turkmenistan officials and representatives of the international community. "ADB intends to be here for the long haul, working with Turkmenistan as a true and trusted partner."

Earlier on Thursday Mr. Kuroda met President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and other senior officials for discussions that focused on the government’s investment priorities and its future partnership with ADB. During his 17-19 February visit, Mr. Kuroda also had separate meetings with ADB Governor and Chairman of the Central Bank, Guvanchmurad Geoklenov and other Central Bank officials.

Turkmenistan became a member of the ADB in 2000. Since that time, ADB has funded a number of technical assistance projects, and government officials have attended meetings of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.