On August 18, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov received the UN Under-Secretary General, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Babatunde Osotimehin who arrived on a visit to our country. In the course of meeting, the sides exchanged views on the prospects for partnership between Turkmenistan and UNFPA. In this regard, they welcomed the successes achieved by our country in implementation of the Action Program of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), including in the field of gender equality. Expressing UNFPA’s support of the social policy pursued by Turkmenistan and the country’s workable steps taken to enhance international cooperation, the high-ranking guest highlighted our country’s impressive achievements in the fields of gender equality and guarantees of women’s rights, healthcare, education, youth support, strengthening in the society, especially among the youth, the principles of healthy lifestyle. The UN Under-Secretary General, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund also expressed the UNFPA’s readiness to participate in the projects implemented by Turkmenistan on rendering to Afghanistan humanitarian assistance for solving the problems of the country’s socio-economic recovery. During the conversation, special consideration was given to the subject of the next year’s international conference to be organized jointly with UNFPA and dedicated to youth-associated issues. Confirming the intention of Turkmenistan and UNFPA to further strengthen the traditional long-term partnership, the head of Turkmen state and the UN Under-Secretary General, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund have confirmed availability of vast untapped potential for implementing new joint projects and programs. It was also noted that the positive experience Turkmenistan has accumulated in the course of implementing large-scale reforms in all spheres of life, is highly-acclaimed in the region and world and can be applied in working out solutions of urgent issues and present-day problems. Noting that this memorable year, Turkmenistan celebrates the 20th anniversary of acquiring the status of permanent neutrality, the nation’s leader addressed the UN Secretary General and high-ranking guest the invitation to participate in the ceremonious events and festivities on the occasion of the glorious date to be held in Ashgabat in December. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Mr. Babatunde Osotimehin heartily congratulated the head of state and in his face the entire Turkmen nation on the remarkable event which symbolically coincides with the United Nations’ 70th anniversary. In this context, it was accentuated that the UN completely supports our country’s constructive international initiatives, regarding them as a significant contribution to peace, security and sustainable development on the regional and global level. At parting, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and his high-ranking guest expressed confidence in further successful development of fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNFPA, aimed at the long-term prospects, general welfare and prosperity. *** The program of visit of the UN Under-Secretary General, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Babatunde Osotimehin to our country includes a number of other bilateral meetings – at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mejlis and the Government of Turkmenistan, as well as at the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly.