While the presidents discussed topics ranging from cooperation in the framework of the United Nations and the OSCE and energy security, the focus of the visit was on economic cooperation.

The Slovenian president's office said the talks revolved around opportunities in telecommunications, high technology, pharmaceuticals, transport and tourism.

The pair agreed that there was a lot of potential to boost trade and agreed that Slovenia would organise by the end of the year the first meeting of a bilateral economic commission.

The two countries also signed an agreement on economic cooperation and a memorandum of understanding between the foreign ministries. Chambers of commerce from both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding.

Pahor's delegation included Economy Minister Metod Dragonja as well as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) and several companies seeking to do business in Turkmenistan.

Bilateral trade is currently modest: it reached only EUR 12m in 2013, though that was a 43% increase on the year before.