In a visit to Turkmenistan last week, Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov spoke with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about economic cooperation between their countries.

Cultural and historical similarities between the two countries has facilitated relations to grow at a fast pace, and discussions at the highest levels between the two governments has strengthened relations.

In their most recent discussion, the two presidents explored cooperating in areas of common interest.

In 2013 the trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan equaled $353.9 million. It had reached $246 million as of August 2014.

Both leaders noted during their most recent meeting that this was an area that has potential for growth.