The delegation headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Agency "Turkmendenizderyayollary" from June 12 to 16, 2023 is on a working visit to the Republic of Latvia to participate in the third meeting of the Turkmen-Latvian working group on transport.

On June 12, 2023, the third meeting of the Turkmen-Latvian Working Group on Transport was held in the city of Riga. During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues in the development of mutually beneficial relations, and also identified guidelines for further development between the two countries. In particular, the parties considered the possibilities of expanding cooperation, further implementation of joint projects aimed at developing the transit and logistics sector. In this context, the parties noted the positive dynamics in the development of transport logistics, and exchanged information on the situation regarding bilateral cooperation in this area.

As it is known, there are three large ports in Latvia - Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils, and seven small ports - Engure, Liepule, Mersrags, Pavilosta, Roja, Solacgriva and Skulte, which are located along the entire sea border of Latvia. Large ports are mainly engaged in cargo handling - about 80% of the transit cargo transported through Latvia is reloaded in them. Small ports are ports of local importance.

In this regard, during the meeting, the opportunity for entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan to create production and transport and logistics enterprises, terminals, warehouses in the territories of Latvian ports and special economic zones for the production, storage, processing and distribution of Turkmen goods in the market of the European Union, Baltic countries and Scandinavia.

The opportunity was noted to increase container and combined intermodal cargo transportation between Latvia and Turkmenistan, as well as other countries of Central Asia with the connection of various transit corridors and with an emphasis on the development of alternative logistics routes based on TRACECA.

Emphasizing the special role of transport and logistics in ensuring trade between Europe and Asia, the parties highly appreciated the adoption of the Joint Communiqué on cooperation between the national transport departments of Turkmenistan, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Also, representatives of the Turkmen side introduced the Latvian side with the capabilities and terminals of the seaport of Turkmenbashi, and invited representatives of Latvia to visit the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi for a detailed acquaintance with the capacity and activities of the port.

At the end of the meeting, the parties highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral intergovernmental cooperation, and noted that every effort will be made to build up and expand cooperation in the transport and logistics sector.

As a result of the meeting, the Protocol of the third meeting of the Turkmen-Latvian Transport Committee regarding the above directions and promising tasks will be signed.