Qatar and Turkmenistan signed a raft of Memoranda of Understanding following a session of official talks chaired by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and  Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov here yesterday.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral co-operation in the fields of energy, economy, education, sports and culture and  reviewed investment opportunities available in both countries. They also discussed regional and international issues.  
The talks were attended by the official delegation accompanying HH the Emir and Turkmenistan’s cabinet members.
At the outset of the meeting, which was held at the presidential complex in Ashgabat, President Berdimuhamedov welcomed the Emir’s first ever visit to Turkmenistan, pointing out that the past years have seen distinct growth in the relations between the two countries in political, economic and commercial spheres. He said the Emir’s visit marks 20 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
President Berdimuhamedov said the talks will cover oil and gas, transport and communications fields.  He stressed the importance of the Qatar-Turkmenistan joint committee on economic co-operation and added that Turkmenistan is willing to co-operate in the fields of science, education, culture, training and exchange of experts.
He pointed to Qatar’s role in organising sports events expressing his country’s desire to co-operate with Qatar in this field.
Meanwhile, HH the Emir said that the two countries share common views on issues related to peace, security and prosperity in the region. The Emir underlined the importance of exerting all efforts to resolve the crises witnessed in the region.
The Emir also stressed the importance of investing in natural resources enjoyed by both Qatar and Turkmenistan, especially as Qatar has experience in the field and looks forward to developing co-operation between the two countries.
The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the field of sports, where it is a part of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Emir said adding that Qatar has good experience in organising sports tournaments, and that the two countries will co-operate in this area.
Pointing to the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Emir said that hosting this major event is an important milestone not only for Qatar, but for the entire region.
The two leaders’ meeting touched on the latest developments in the Middle East and Central Asia in addition to other issues of common concern.
Following the talks, HH the Emir and the president of Turkmenistan witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in the financial, sports, transport, tourism, education, culture, air transport, and civil aviation sectors.  
Earlier, the Emir was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival at the Independence Square in the presidential complex.

Emir visits Turkmen Olympic City

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited the Olympic City, which will host the 2017 Asian Games in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat.
During the visit, the Emir viewed a replica of the city and was given a briefing on its facilities such as stadiums and sporting halls.
He also viewed an exhibition of Turkmen products.
The Emir and the Turkmen president  also visited the presidential equestrian complex yesterday.
During the visit, the Emir and the Turkmen president witnessed a Turkmen horse show. Later the Emir attended a dinner banquet hosted at Oguz Khan Complex in his honour.