The new French Ambassador Philippe Merlin presented copies of credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, who congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and said he was ready to provide assistance and support in carrying out his activities as head of the French mission in Ashgabat.

At a meeting held at the country's Foreign Ministry on Thursday, the Minister and the Ambassador discussed the agenda of the Turkmen-French relations developing on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial partnership.

The constructive cooperation of the two countries in the international arena was noted, in which the parties are co-authors of important international initiatives. The diplomats exchanged views on ways to expand trade and economic ties in such areas as energy, logistics and "green" technologies, according to a press release of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

"The parties also noted effective cooperation in the field of culture, archeology and the study of the French language," the ministry added.

A month ago, French President Emmanuel Macron signed a decree appointing Philippe Merlin as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan from May 22, 2023.

Merlin has a solid diplomatic career: he worked at the Embassy in Latvia, Finland, Afghanistan, Mongolia, as well as in international organizations - the Permanent Mission of France to the UN in Geneva, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the UN Office in Vienna.

He will replace Ambassador Isabel Ginel in Ashgabat, who has worked in Turkmenistan since October 2020.

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