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During the meeting, the leaders discussed key issues of developing bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian areas, as well as major regional issues.

Earlier in the day, the Russian President visited Pyatigorsk, where he took part in the Mashuk-2018 North Caucasus Youth Educational Forum.

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Beginning of the meeting with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I sincerely welcome you to Russia.

We met recently and talked during the Caspian Five Summit, where we signed a very important document on a settlement in the Caspian Sea.

As you and I said, we will hold a meeting in Sochi today to discuss our bilateral relations in detail. As you suggested, we will do this informally, the two of us – we will simply sit down and discuss the issues that are of interest in our bilateral relations: the economy, the social sphere, humanitarian cooperation and our international activities. Here our positions are close or almost identical as diplomats say. We are working very closely with each other and this work is effective.

I am very happy to see you. Welcome.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov: Thank you, Mr President, first of all for creating conditions for this meeting in the wonderful city of Sochi. We are grateful.

As you correctly stressed, Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation are strategic partners and we have always built our relations on mutual respect. This is why we are doing a lot to implement matters of our cooperation.

I would like to emphasise that our Intergovernmental Commission is working well. We are grateful for the appointment of the new head of the commission because much of what we have planned is being carried out. I believe the work of the new Intergovernmental Commission will produce positive results.

Using this opportunity, I would like to congratulate you – better late than never, as they say – on the wonderful 2018 FIFA World Cup that was held at such a high level. Please accept our congratulations once again.

Today, you are doing much on the international arena to enhance stability and security and strengthen friendship between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. I would like to thank you for this enormous personal contribution.

Indeed, today there are quite a few issues that we could discuss: international trends as well as trade, economic and humanitarian issues. Therefore, I would like to thank you again for what you are doing to promote friendship between our peoples.

I wish you great success in your future state activities and wish prosperity, happiness and all the best to the entire people of Russia.

Vladimir Putin: I recall how warmly you received me in Ashgabat during my official visit. I hope I will be able to reciprocate today with traditional Russian hospitality.

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