The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to Seyed Mohsen Hosseini, a journalist with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), during his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran at the request of the Iranian side. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews.

According to the source, the conversation touched upon issues relating to Turkmen-Iranian relations, recollections of meetings with the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as topics such as peace, regional cooperation and humanitarian interaction.

Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan and Iran have maintained good-neighbourly and fraternal relations for many years, based on mutual respect, historical ties and shared spiritual and cultural values.

Speaking about his meetings with Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan stated that he first met him in 1998 during a visit to Iran whilst serving as the Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. These meetings continued subsequently whilst he held other government posts, including the office of Head of State of Turkmenistan.

“In my view, all our discussions were very important. On the political front, we often discussed peace and prosperity not only for the two countries, but also for the region and the whole world. As you know, Turkmenistan is the only country in the world whose neutral status has been recognised three times by the UN. That is precisely why we frequently exchanged views on issues relating to peacekeeping and sustainable development,” emphasised Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

As noted, particular attention was paid to the development of joint infrastructure. Over the years of cooperation, projects have been implemented to build roads and railways, bridges, gas pipelines and power lines. Issues relating to the study of our shared cultural heritage, cooperation within the scientific community and the preservation of spiritual values were also discussed.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that Turkmenistan is a secular state, whilst at the same time attaching great importance to the preservation of national traditions and religious values. Hero Arkadag also noted the significance of the guidance provided by Iran’s Supreme Leader on matters of the spiritual and moral upbringing of the younger generation.

Responding to a question about contemporary international challenges, Hero Arkadag stated that Turkmenistan consistently adheres to a policy of neutrality, openness and humanism. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan recalled that during difficult periods, the country had kept its borders open and provided humanitarian aid.

“There are no winners in war. After all, a bullet does not choose its target — whether it is a child or a soldier,” emphasised the National Leader of the Turkmen people.

At the end of the interview, the IRIB journalist, in turn, thanked the National Leader of the Turkmen people for the interview, as well as for the condolences and support expressed to the Iranian people.