Today, a meeting has been held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Natalia Gherman.

During the meeting, it was pointed out that Turkmenistan and the UN are closely cooperating in a wide range of areas, including in such important fields as maintaining peace and security, energy and transport, addressing environmental issues, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, etc. As was emphasized, partnership in these areas is long-term, and is carried out on a systematic basis aimed at getting practical outcomes.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in international events, including those organized jointly with the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the UNRCCA Head stressed the importance of the forums, the outcomes of which open up new alternatives for ensuring peace and security, and sustainable development in the region.

At present, our Homeland, building the foreign policy on the principles of positive neutrality under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is achieving new successes every day and strengthening its position in the international arena, becoming an example of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The legislative instruments being developed and adopted are aimed at finding the successful solution to the political, economic and social development goals set by the President of Turkmenistan.

The UNRCCA Head made special emphasis on the success of our state in implementing constructive initiatives in strengthening peace, promoting gender equality and protecting the rights and freedoms of women, as well as in the field of climate change. As was further emphasized, adhering to international regulations proclaimed by the United Nations and enshrined in the Constitution of the country, Turkmenistan strictly follows the provisions of the relevant UN conventions, treaties and programmes.

Speaking about the role of UNRCCA, which has been headed by Natalia Gherman for the past five years, the Chairperson of the National Parliament highlighted that preventive diplomacy is an integral part of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. As was emphasized, over 15 years of activity, this structure has established a reputation as an effective platform linking the United Nations system to the countries of Central Asia in addressing many emerging issues.

The great personal contribution of Natalia Gherman to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN, support for international initiatives put forward by our country was also highlighted. The assistance of UNRCCA Head in strengthening the Dialogue of Women in Central Asia was especially emphasized.

At the end of the meeting, confidence was expressed in building up fruitful relations between Turkmenistan and the UN, designed for the long term, the main goal of which is the promotion of general wellbeing and progress.