The leader of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Ata Serdarow, has paid a courtesy visit to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Entebbe, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Uganda.

Serdarow had travelled to Uganda as the special representative of H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedow, the President of Turkmenistan, during President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony held on May 12th, 2026.

President Museveni welcomed the envoy and thanked President Berdimuhamedow for the gesture of solidarity and friendship extended to Uganda through Turkmenistan’s participation in the inauguration ceremony.

As a symbol of growing cooperation between the two countries, President Museveni presented Serdarow with books about Uganda.

During the meeting held on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, Serdarow expressed Turkmenistan’s desire to build stronger bilateral relations with Uganda, particularly through cooperation between governments, political parties and parliaments.

“We wish to develop relations between our two countries and also strengthen cooperation between our parties and parliaments,” Serdarow said.

He also commended Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to the Turkmen delegation during their stay in the country.

“This is my first time in Uganda and also the first time a representative from our country has visited here,” Serdarow noted, describing the trip as a historic milestone in relations between the two nations.

Serdarow further briefed President Museveni on Turkmenistan’s economic potential, highlighting the country’s vast natural gas and oil reserves, which have positioned it as one of Central Asia’s major energy exporters.

“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.

He added that Turkmenistan also exports cotton and high-quality textile products to international markets, including the United States, while maintaining strong agricultural production.

“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,” Serdarow added.

Serdarow explained that nearly 80 percent of Turkmenistan’s territory is desert, presenting significant water scarcity challenges. Despite this, he praised Uganda’s climate, natural beauty and the hospitality of its people.

“I like this nation very much because of the weather, the water and the natural environment. 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 noted.

Turkmenistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, has a population of approximately seven million people.

The meeting was also attended by Henry Okello Oryem, the outgoing Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.