“The Friendship dam is a manifestation of solidarity and amity between Iran and Turkmenistan. The two countries enjoy excellent relations that can serve as a model of co-existence among all countries in the world,” Khatami told a function to inaugurate the dam. Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov was also present. "To keep pace with development and advancement we should gain more strength to an extent to defend our dignity and not offend others," he said. Access to technological know-how, science, and administration is vital for such a goal, he said adding that fortunately the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken great strides to this end. "Since water crisis is among top issues threatening future of jungles, we are satisfied to witness that water is the key to friendship between Iran and Turkmenistan," Khatami said. As soon as the dam becomes operational, its positive impacts on protection of environment and promotion of agriculture will become obvious, he said. Out of 85 dams constructed in the country only 13 of them dated back to before Islamic Revolution, he said. The dam has been constructed in 75 kilometers out of Sarakhs township over Hariroud river. The capacity of reservoir of the dam is put at 1250 million cubic meters and the volume of its water is some 820 million cubic meters each year. Iran-Turkmenistan Friendship dam is located at about 260 kilometers northeast of Mashhad.