Turkmenistan will participate in the next meeting of foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and the United States in the C5+1 format on Oct. 19 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on preparations for the meeting at a Cabinet meeting held via digital system on Saturday, according to the Turkmen state media.

According to the report, Turkmenistan plans to present its position on key aspects of cooperation within the multilateral platform.

Business sessions involving government officials and entrepreneurs are also planned to discuss digital technologies, education and health care, critical minerals, energy and transport infrastructure, agriculture and the textile industry, finance and investment.

A bilateral meeting with the U.S. secretary of state is also planned. The sides are expected to discuss cooperation in areas of mutual interest and preparations for the next Turkmenistan-U.S. political consultations, scheduled for Nov. 3 in Ashgabat.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration by the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and the U.S. secretary of state.

After hearing the report, Head of the state emphasized the importance of the upcoming ministerial meeting between Central Asian countries and the United States in promoting sustainable economic development in the region. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed Meredov to prepare thoroughly for the meeting, which aims to expand regional cooperation, and to participate actively.