Nicolas Sarkozy signals readiness to expand cooperation between France and Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received a message from French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The invitation was handed to the Turkmen president by Anne-Marie Idrac, the state secretary of foreign trade at the French Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment, who visited Ashgabat.

"As you know, the presidency of France in the European Union made it possible to focus on relations with Central Asia. In this regard, the EU-Central Asia forum on security issues was organized in Paris. I think it is important to express my sincere gratitude to Turkmenistan for participation in various meetings that followed in that period one after another," the French president said in his message which was published in Turkmen press.

The French president congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on his initiative to ensure stability and reliability of energy resources transit, which was supported by the United Nations General Assembly. "We share your approach to security issues. France is ready to assist you according to your needs," Nicolas Sarkozy said.

"I would also like to express a desire to enhance relations between France and Turkmenistan. As scheduled, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has organized a visit to Ashgabat of two working groups that helped to advance our cultural cooperation and our trade relations," the message said.

"Following the results of this mission, I have asked the state secretary of foreign trade Ms Anne-Marie Idrac to visit Ashgabat. I want you to know that her visit is evidence of my desire to give a new impetus to our long-term relations in the political and economic spheres. Taking into account the results of this visit, I would be pleased to discuss with you the issues important to our countries during your visit to Paris. I will be very happy to see you," the French president noted.

The invitation was accepted with gratitude, the Turkmen president's press service said. The date of the visit will be agreed through diplomatic channels.