The meeting of the Governor of the Astrakhan region of Russia, Igor Babushkin, with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, brought new impetus to the development of relations between the two regions. The desire to open a regular shipping line between Astrakhan and Turkmenistan is a key initiative aimed at expanding economic and trade relations, as well as the possibility of increasing the volume of maritime cargo transportation and the export of agricultural products from Astrakhan to Turkmenistan.

Governor Babushkin emphasized that expanding mutual trade, stimulating shipping and developing tourism are important areas of cooperation. The issue of creating a logistics center of Turkmenistan in the Astrakhan region was also discussed, which will help strengthen the international transport corridor “North-South”.

An important aspect of the meeting was negotiations on air traffic between Astrakhan and Turkmenbashi, as well as simplification of the visa regime for Russian tourists wishing to visit the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” in Turkmenistan.

Cooperation in the educational sector was also brought up for discussion, with an increase in the number of Turkmen students studying at universities in the Astrakhan region. This demonstrates the growing importance of educational exchanges between the regions and their desire to deepen cultural ties.

The Governor expressed deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his interest in the development of bilateral cooperation and emphasized that Turkmenistan remains not only a strategic partner, but also a close, reliable friend for Astrakhan.