The presidents of Russia, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to build a natural gas pipeline along the Caspian sea coast. The landmark deak was agreed today during three-way talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev in the coastal Turkmen city of Turkmenbashi.

While reasserting the policy of neutrality of his predecessor, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has signaled a desire to end Turkmenistan's self-isolation and to repair ties with its Central Asian neighbors. He has also indicated that he is willing to engage more actively with Russia and reach out to the West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today called Turkmenistan a strategic energy partner for his country, but urged increased bilateral cooperation in other spheres. Putin made the remarks at a meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat.

A powerful commercial inflow of gas is reported from Well 102 in South Iolotan in the Mary region of Turkmenistan. The target well depth is estimated at 4,500 meters but the productive interval was discovered at the depth of 4,360 meters, Caucaz.com reported.

As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights wrapped up an 11-day tour of Central Asia in Turkmenistan today, her office announced plans to assist the country's Government on rights issues.

On Monday, April 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the new Turkmen President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to discuss cooperation in gas production between the two countries. Putin called for expansion of the current partnership.

The chairman in office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) encouraged Turkmenistan today to intensify its cooperation with the international community.

The first foreign minister for independent Turkmenistan and, more recently, one of that country's most outspoken opposition leaders, Avdy Kuliev, died early this morning in Oslo, Norway.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner says positive changes have taken place in Turkmenistan since the December 2006 death of president Saparmurat Niyazov.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has restored pensions to more than 100,000 elderly citizens. The new Code of Social Guarantees, published by official newspapers today, also resumes monthly maternity payments of $10, which are paid for 18 months after the birth of a child.