AKIPRESS.COM - A ceremony to sign a Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Botswana was held at the office of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York City on October 20, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan reported.

Prior to the ceremony, a meeting was held between Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Aksoltan Atayeva and Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN Charles Masole.

The sides confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries, as well as in developing bilateral political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, including interaction within international organizations, primarily within the framework of the UN.

The prospects for the development of both bilateral and multilateral relations were discussed. The parties exchanged views on topical issues on the UN agenda of mutual interest, such as strengthening peace and trust, promoting preventive diplomacy, and sustainable development.

During the conversation, Ambassador Atayeva invited the government of Botswana to participate in the upcoming International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

The parties emphasized that establishment of diplomatic relations would provide an important impetus for further strengthening bilateral ties and developing long-term partnership.