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MINSK, 11 May (BelTA) – Belarus and Turkmenistan agreed on mutual steps to build up bilateral trade, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told media after his meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on 11 May, BelTA has learned.

“Today we have openly and constructively discussed the whole range of issues of the Belarusian-Turkmen cooperation with my counterpart, friend, the President of Turkmenistan. We have praised positive and fruitful bilateral contacts,” stressed the Belarusian head of state.

The President noted that Turkmenistan is among Belarus’ strategic partners. The two countries enjoy friendly and sincere relations. Annual meetings between the heads of state in Minsk and Ashgabat testify to the fact.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, mutually beneficial trade is a basis of the Belarusian-Turkmen relations. “Of course, we are concerned with a decline in the bilateral trade in the last two years. We understand that there are objective reasons for it. However, we should undertake all necessary steps to rectify the situation including through seeking new forms and methods of work. We have made this the focus of our talks today,” the head of state said.

The first two months of 2016 saw positive changes in mutual trade, which increased by almost 75%. However, as the head of state believes, the two states should not rest on their laurels. The parties outlined new prospects and mutual projects in industry, agriculture, transport and science.

A number of agreements were also reached to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in trade, education, culture and sport.