Turkish president decorates Turkmen counterpart with state medal

ANKARA (A.A) - February 29, 2012 - Turkey's president decorated his Turkmen counterpart with a state medal of honor on Wednesday. President Abdullah Gul honored Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who is paying a formal visit to Turkey, with a state medal of honor. "Berdimuhamedow shows a good example of leadership and statesmanship to develop Turkmenistan, a country of strategic importance," Gul said during a ceremony in Ankara. Gul said Berdimuhamedow's efforts had vital importance for not only his country and nation but also regional peace, stability and prosperity and global energy security.  Moreover, Berdimuhamedow said they could see the outcome of political, commercial and culture efforts between Turkmenistan and Turkey in every field, and noted that Turkmenistan considered Turkey a strategic partner.  During Gul's term in office, Turkey has presented state medal of honor to British Queen Elizabeth II, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva.