TEHRAN – Leader of the
Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Wednesday described Iran and Turkmenistan as “relatives” which share many cultural commonalities.
“These cultural commonalities are an important basis for further expanding of relations in different sectors, especially in the fields of energy and roads,” the Leader told Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan’s chairman of the People’s Council of the National Assembly.
The Leader touched on hundreds of famous scientists and personalities who lived between Atrak and Amu Darya rivers on the borders of the two countries, as well as the tomb of famous Turkmen poet Makhtoumgholi Faraghi in Iran, saying these cultural commonalities should not be underestimated.
Ayatollah Khamenei appreciated the special attention of the head of the People’s Council of the National Assembly of Turkmenistan to cultural and religious issues and his efforts to expand cultural centers and mosques.
He said there are big capacities to expand cooperation, especially in the road sector and areas related to water, electricity and gas, and the Islamic Republic is ready to cooperate in these sectors.
The Leader touched on Berdimuhamedov’s request for the participation of Iranian experts in the construction of a highway along the Iran-Turkmenistan border to the Caspian Sea.
“The Ministry of Roads of Iran has the ability to build this highway. Moreover, given the important position of land and rail communications in the global economy, we are determined to complete the International North-South Transport Corridor that can connect Turkmenistan and its surrounding countries to the Sea of Oman.”