Bojnourd, May 22, IRNA - The governor of North Khorasan says the establishment of effective trade relations with all neighboring countries is in the province's planning, but Turkmenistan is in the priority due to its close proximity and cultural ties.

Mohammad Ali Shojaei said in a meeting with the Turkmenistan Consul General in Mashad on Wednesday, 'Of course, we have links with friendly and neighboring country, but it can be expanded.'

He stated that North Khorasan is ready to deal with the country in various fields, especially agriculture, tourism and exports of technical and engineering services.

'We have many advantages in the field of agriculture, and tourism topics can be expanded between the province and Turkmenistan,' the official noted.

Shojaei said that in the field of sports and science, the province is also ready to receive sports camps and Turkmen students, making the remark, 'In the field of health tourism, we completely guarantee health tourists at a logical cost.”

He emphasized the necessity of developing tourism between the two regions, adding, 'We have not taken a step yet, but we have the readiness to make a flight on this route.'

'We are committed to reopening our common border and common market to do what we can do on our soil.'

Turkmen Consul General in Mashhad Elias Ghayepov, for his part, stated the purpose of the meeting was to address some of the obstacles and problems in the field of commercial and cultural relations between the two sides, saying that Turkmenistan and North Khorasan have many cultural, ethnic and historical links that can bring about economic and cultural exchanges between them.

'I'm asking North Khorasan's proposals to be provided in writing to be submitted to the appropriate authorities, and we will respond after about a month,' said Ghayepov.

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