In historic visit, Turkmenistan and Uganda commit to ties
“We wish to develop relations between our two countries and also strengthen cooperation between our parties and parliaments," said Serdarow.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with the leader of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Ata Serdarow, at State House, Entebbe. (PPU photos)
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The leader of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Ata Serdarow, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Entebbe, before his departure.
Serdarow travelled to Uganda to represent President Serdar Berdimuhamedow at Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday (May 12) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
A thankful Museveni gifted Serdarow books about Uganda as a gesture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
On his part, the envoy expressed Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Uganda.
“We wish to develop relations between our two countries and also strengthen cooperation between our parties and parliaments," he said.
“Using this opportunity, I would also like to thank the foreign affairs office for their efforts and the hospitality they showed us. Thank you very much and I wish you the very best."
Serdarow's visit has been a historic one. It has not only been his first time in Uganda, but it is also the first official visit by a representative from Turkmenistan to the East African nation.
He briefed Museveni on Turkmenistan’s economy.
“Our country is rich in natural gas and oil reserves. We supply gas to China through three pipelines every year, and we are also planning to build a fourth line."
Turkmenistan also exports cotton and textile products to several countries, including the United States of America.
We produce meat, beef and more than one million tonnes of wheat," said Serdarow.
'Very hospitable'
Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, with a population of about seven million people.
A thankful Museveni gifted Serdarow books about Uganda as a gesture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
About 80 percent of the country is covered by desert, creating challenges related to water scarcity.
With this in mind, the envoy praised Uganda for its climate, natural beauty and hospitality.
“I like this nation very much because of the weather, the water and the natural environment.
“Your people and yourself, Your Excellency, are very hospitable. We witnessed the unity and joy of Ugandans during our stay here. It was a big surprise for me to see such a beautiful and warm nation."