President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hosted Mr Ata Serdarow, the leader of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, at State House, Entebbe, following his participation in the President’s swearing-in ceremony earlier this week.
Mr Serdarow represented Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow at the May 12, 2026, inauguration ceremony of President Museveni.
During the meeting, President Museveni welcomed the envoy and thanked him for travelling to Uganda to deliver President Berdimuhamedow’s message and attend the ceremony.
The President also presented Mr Serdarow with books about Uganda as a gesture aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Serdarow expressed Turkmenistan’s commitment to expanding bilateral relations with Uganda, particularly in political and parliamentary cooperation.
“We wish to develop relations between our two countries and also strengthen cooperation between our parties and parliaments,” Mr Serdarow said.
He also thanked Uganda for the hospitality extended to the Turkmen delegation during their stay in the country.
“Using this opportunity, I would also like to thank the Foreign Affairs office for their efforts and the hospitality they showed us. Thank you very much, and I wish you the very best,” he added.
Mr Serdarow described the visit as historic, noting that it marked both his first visit to Uganda and the first official visit by a representative from Turkmenistan.
“This is my first time in Uganda and also the first time a representative from our country has visited here,” he noted.
The Turkmen envoy also briefed President Museveni on his country’s economy, highlighting Turkmenistan’s vast natural gas and oil reserves.
“Our country is rich in natural gas and oil reserves. We supply gas to China through three pipelines every year, and we are also planning to build a fourth line,” he said.
Mr Serdarow further explained that Turkmenistan exports cotton and textile products to several countries, including the United States.
“We also produce cotton and high-quality textile products, which we export to other countries, including the USA. We produce meat, beef and more than one million tonnes of wheat,” he added.
Despite challenges posed by desert conditions and water scarcity in his country, Mr Serdarow praised Uganda’s climate, natural beauty and hospitality.
“I like this nation very much because of the weather, the water and the natural environment,” he said.
“Your people and yourself, Your Excellency, are very hospitable. We witnessed the unity and joy of Ugandans during our stay here. It was a big surprise for me to see such a beautiful and warm nation,” he added.
Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, with a population estimated at about seven million people.
The meeting was also attended by Henry Okello Oryem.