Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks in the capital city of the Federal Republic of Germany on 14 November.

The sides exchanged views on a number issues of regional and international politics of mutual interest. In particular, the sides discussed the forthcoming G-20 summit of the world economy's leading countries on the issue of financial crisis.

A brief press conference was held in the end of talks.

Speaking of the priorities of Turkmenistan's development at a new turn of history, the head of the federal government of Germany emphasized the importance of reforms pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Stressing the reforms in education and social spheres as a backbone of the country's further progress, Angela Merkel also noted the importance of democratic processes that are being carried out in Turkmenistan at the initiative of its leader. "Germany is ready to provide all possible assistance to Turkmenistan in implementing the programme of reforms," the chancellor said.

In turn, the president of Turkmenistan noted the exceptionally constructive nature of the talks the results of which defined ways of practical cooperation in strategic areas. "We have a good track-record of the long-standing cooperation with German partners, and I am sure this meeting and its results would give a powerful boost to further development of the productive bilateral dialogue," Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also met with Germany's President Horst Koehler on the same day.

In the second half of the day, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left for Munich. In the evening, he met with representatives of German businesses at the informal launch in Bayerishe Khoff hotel, a residence of the Turkmen leader.