Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on conferring the "Honorary Elder" title on President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The Uzbek president was awarded the honorary title for "contribution to developing the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan; strengthening unity and solidarity between the two brotherly peoples who are traditionally bound by ties of friendship, good neighborliness and spiritual kinship" as well as for "particular contribution to increasing the level of political, economic and cultural relations" between the two countries, Turkmenistan.ru reported quoting the press service of the Turkmen president.

The award ceremony was held at the Ruhyyet Palace on 18 October followed by a gala concert by Turkmen and Uzbek masters of arts.

Islam Karimov is paying an official visit to Turkmenistan at the invitation of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.