Belarus and Turkmenistan are building relations on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance - A. Lukashenko

April 28, Ashgabat / Tatiana Polezhay - BELTA /. Belarus and Turkmenistan are building relations on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance. This was stated today by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in an expanded format, BELTA correspondent reports. "I consider it extremely important that mutually beneficial and equal relations between our states have been developing all these years. We have reached the level of strategic partnership and, more importantly, allied relations," Alexander Lukashenko said. He noted that the priority areas of bilateral cooperation have been identified by the countries: trade, agriculture, and the construction of a mining and processing plant for the production of potash fertilizers. Alexander Lukashenko believes that the project presented by Belarusian specialists will ensure the comprehensive development of the Garlyk deposit based on the most advanced technologies. Possessing extensive experience in the extraction and sale of potash fertilizers, Belarus sees the prospects and export potential of this project. At the same time, Belarus does not view Turkmenistan as a competitor in world markets, but sees it as a reliable partner. The President of Belarus also drew attention to the reliability of Belarusian equipment, which is successfully operating in all regions of Turkmenistan. He confirmed that Belarus is ready to double the supply of equipment to Turkmenistan this year. Belarus is also ready to share its accumulated experience in agriculture. The head of the Belarusian state emphasized that the future here lies in technologies and mechanization, and the application of intensive forms and methods of production organization. "Today I have the opportunity to once again be convinced of the Turkmen leadership's desire to expand strategic cooperation with Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko stressed. Speaking about the interaction between Belarus and Turkmenistan in the international arena, the Belarusian leader assured that Belarus is always ready to lend a shoulder to Turkmenistan in any situation. He also emphasized that Belarus has never acted ambiguously for opportunistic reasons. Alexander Lukashenko also noted Turkmenistan's great successes in development in recent years. "The main achievement is that you have been able to ensure Turkmenistan's independence not in words, but in deeds and to exist, despite the whims of the modern world. You have provided the foundation for an independent Turkmenistan. This is the greatest merit of you and your colleagues," the Belarusian leader said, addressing his Turkmen counterpart. The President of Belarus wished health and prosperity to the Turkmen people. "I want your presidential term to last at least as long as I work, because I am very comfortable working with you," said Alexander Lukashenko. "We see firsthand the fruits of independent Turkmenistan. Remember that in Belarus there is a friendly people ready to fulfill any of your wishes," noted the head of the Belarusian state. "We are building relations with utmost openness. We are ready to share with you anything you find useful in Belarus." -0-