By Olga Makei: The Head of the State will arrive in Ashgabat tonight. This is a close partner of Belarus. Strengthened partnerships and regular meetings of the presidents are an important part of relations as well as construction of a large-scale project - Garlyk mining and processing plant.
This year was difficult for Turkmenistan. The country ranks fourth in the world in terms of gas production and feels the consequences of fall in energy prices.
It will be the fifth official visit of the President of Belarus to Turkmenistan. These meetings resulted in major projects. For example, the construction of Garlyk mining and processing plant. The potash giant was built in the Karakum Desert , where salt reserves are virtually inexhaustible.
Ashgabat, meanwhile, is preparing for a national holiday. The Day of Neutrality is traditionally celebrated December 12. Such status of Turkmenistan was approved by the UN General Assembly in 1995 and since then, the country has committed itself not to participate in any conflicts and military-political blocs. The city was decorated with colored ribbons, this is a local tradition. The International Conference timed to the day will be attended by Alexander Lukashenko.
