A lot of preparatory work was done in Ashgabat prior to visit of Uzbek President. The city airport and streets were decorated flags of two states as well as welcoming banners in Uzbek and Turkmen languages.

Major events of the visit began on 19 October in Oguzgent residence with a conversation of two leaders in one-on-one. A detailed exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues concerning Uzbek-Turkmen relations, regional and international issues of mutual interest, UzA reported.

Islam Karimov noted that commonality of interests and views were confirmed in a comprehensive deepening of mutual relations, similar positions on almost all issues.

“Uzbekistan has consistently supported the deeply thoughtful foreign policy of Turkmenistan and its objective approach and sound initiatives to strengthen regional and international security, expand trade and economic ties in the region, development of transport and communication corridors and energy routes,” said Islam Karimov.

Uzbek leader noted that despite the ongoing world financial crisis in 2009, bilateral trade increased by about 40%. Joint efforts and practical measures, including the holding of national exhibitions of the two countries in Ashgabat and Tashkent contributed to it, the President emphasized.

“We are confident that the establishment of free trade zone between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will remove barriers to free movement of goods produced in our countries and promote cooperation ties between enterprises,” said President Karimov.

The launch of Turkmen-Uzbek joint venture for the implementation and maintenance of vehicles manufactured in Uzbekistan was a practical step in the development of direct cooperation between business entities, it was noted during discussions.

Islam Karimov stressed that Uzbekistan fully supported the implementation of gas pipeline construction project Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China, which form a stable transit corridor for natural gas and diversify the direction of hydrocarbon exports from Central Asia.

The communication capacity of the region and its promising areas was also discussed during the talks.

The sides discussed the opening of transport corridor of Uzbekistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar and other Gulf countries in the region. “I’m pleased to have found a full understanding in President of Turkmenistan that this corridor will open vast opportunities in the areas of the world market that our countries need,” Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are reliable partners in development and implementation of the project, Uzbek leader emphasized.

“It is a special project. Besides our countries, many other states are interested in it. Turkmenistan plays important role in its implementation and if Turkmenistan takes up this matter, all other countries will welcome it.”

Following the talks, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov signed the joint Uzbek-Turkmen statement. The Program of Cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere for 2011-2013 was signed between the governments of two states.

On the second day of the visit, presidents visited the city of Dashoguz.

Uzbek-Turkmen Friendship Festival began on 18 October in Dashoguz, gathering over 300 artists from both countries.

There the two leaders viewed an exhibition of products of national applied art and food. They also attended the show of riders and kurashists.

President of Turkmenistan presented the Akhal-Teke, the unique breed of horse to Uzbek leader.

The main event of the festival a gala concert featuring artists of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held in Ruhiyat Palace in Dashoguz.

Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov noted that the art forum, organized for the first time in the history of two countries further promote cooperation in the sphere of culture and art between the Uzbek and Turkmen people.

“Today, in a picturesque part of Turkmenistan, in Dashoguz we all have witnessed a truly historic event that will leave an indelible mark on the cultural life of the Turkmen and Uzbek people,” said Islam Karimov.

“Our wise forefathers said: “If you want to know the nature of the heart and soul of any nation, first get aware of its culture, literature and art.” Naturally, in the works of poets and composers, Bakhshi and performers of every nation joys and sorrows, dreams and aspirations, noble aspirations of the nation are embodied.”

“The national classical art and pop of Turkmenistan vividly represent an ever more prosperous life of the Turkmen people, their confident gait in all spheres of life, energy and enthusiasm of the Turkmen youth and the incomparable beauty of Turkmen women,” Uzbek President stated. “I am sure that our Turkmen friends are also reading the works of our great thinker Alisher Navoi, under the sound of Uzbek melodies and songs that represent the past and present of our people living in Uzbekistan.”

“For centuries, Uzbek and Turkmen people have lived side by side in peace and harmony. This is reflected in the art of the two nations,” said Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov. “This is important in the manifestation of our people’s inherent noble qualities like kindness, peace and generosity.”

The official visit of President Islam Karimov to Turkmenistan ended, raising the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to the next level.

The talks in Ashgabat and the festival of friendship in Dashoguz once again demonstrated that cooperation between two states was developing in line with the principles of good neighborliness, friendship and brotherhood.