Turkmenistan's Delegation Visits New York for the UN General Assembly

On September 26-30, 2024, the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov visited New York to participate in the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the visit, the delegation made a national statement during the general debate of the General Assembly, took part in multilateral ministerial events and bilateral meetings with the heads of the UN, international and regional organizations, foreign ministries of the UN Member States. A total  of 23 meetings were held, of which 3 in a multilateral format and 20 in a bilateral format.

The visit was important for strengthening Turkmenistan's international relations and discussing key issues related to peace, security and economic cooperation with international partners in multilateral and bilateral formats.

The negotiations and meetings were aimed at strengthening the international positions of Turkmenistan, achieving practical results from joint efforts with international organizations and countries, emphasized the priority of Turkmenistan to actively participate in addressing global challenges to achieve peace, security and sustainable development.

Remarks at the General Debate
of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

On September 27, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan addressed the plenary session of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

During his speech, the head of the Foreign Ministry noted the importance of consolidating the efforts of the international community on the way to achieving universal peace, stability and sustainable development.

It was emphasized that Turkmenistan highly appreciates the strategic multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations. Peace and security, sustainable development, climate change and humanitarian issues are highlighted among the priority areas of Turkmenistan's activities within the framework of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. In this context, the international initiatives of Turkmenistan in key areas that are planned to be promoted during the current session of the General Assembly were announced.

Meetings with high-level UN officials

On September 28, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The Secretary General praised Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, stressing that the country's foreign policy pursued by its leadership is a successful example in ensuring peace and stability.

The UN chief expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its efforts to eradicate statelessness and consistent steps in this direction.

At the same time, the parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation between the United Nations and Turkmenistan, as well as on issues of regional peace and security, including Afghanistan. In this regard, the regular assistance and support provided to the Afghan people was highly appreciated.

The parties were unanimous in their opinion on the successful organization of the visit of the UN Secretary-General to Turkmenistan in July this year and the results of meetings with His Excellency the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and His Excellency the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The UN chief expressed gratitude for the high organizational level of the visit and the hospitality provided.

The Turkmen side assured of the country's commitment to the implementation of the foreign policy based on the status of permanent neutrality.

At the same time, it was informed about the intention to closely cooperate with the UN in the implementation of the initiative for the preparation of the Global Security Strategy, put forward by the President of Turkmenistan at the previous session of the General Assembly.

Speaking about the expansion of strategic cooperation with the UN, R. Meredov informed about the preparation of an implementation plan, the agreements reached following the visit. In this context, the importance of the coming 2025, proclaimed by the UN at the initiative of Turkmenistan as the "International Year of Peace and Trust" for the entire international community, was emphasized. In this regard, it was reported about the intention to prepare a Program of Events to Commemorate 2025 – Peace and Trust, and the importance of the UN in its successful implementation was emphasized.

On the issue of assistance to Afghanistan, the Minister noted that the launch of a number of major transport and energy projects on September 11 on the Turkmen-Afghan border is another clear example of a consistent policy to assist the people of Afghanistan. It was also emphasized that these projects will be clearly implemented within the framework of international legal norms.

The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for the high appreciation of the work in the field of eradicating statelessness, stressing that work in the humanitarian direction is one of the priorities of the policy of Turkmenistan and its cooperation with the UN.

On September 27, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

At the meeting, it was noted that cooperation with the United Nations is strategic for Turkmenistan.

The parties exchanged views on the current regional and international agenda. In this context, the importance of combining efforts in strengthening international cooperation and security in the region and in the world as a whole was emphasized.

During the talks, it was emphasized that the interaction of Turkmenistan with the UN contributes to strengthening the foundation of peace, stability and security in the region, in particular through the activities of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. An exchange of views took place on expanding the potential of UNRCCA.

At the meeting, the important contribution of Turkmenistan to the socio-economic development of Afghanistan was noted. Turkmenistan regularly sends humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan, social facilities are built, and medical assistance is provided to the local population.

The parties discussed preparations for the upcoming events scheduled to be held in Turkmenistan with the participation of relevant UN structures. Further steps aimed at implementing the UN General Assembly Resolution on declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan, were also considered.

During the visit, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General, Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. At the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN in the fight against terrorism.

In this regard, the role of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy headquartered in Ashgabat, which includes representatives of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, was emphasized.

The parties paid special attention to the plan for the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. At the same time, the role of Turkmenistan in the consistent implementation of the measures outlined in the plan was emphasized.

In this regard, the importance of the upcoming regional meetings on critical infrastructure and strengthening energy connectivity, which will be held in Ashgabat in October and November this year, respectively, was also emphasized.

On September 28, a meeting was held with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations.

The delegation of Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. The parties discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation within the framework of peacekeeping activities and noted the significant potential for cooperation in this direction.

One of the key issues of the meeting was the role of the UN General Assembly Special Committee on Peacekeeping as an optimal platform for interstate dialogue on peacekeeping. Participants stressed the importance of developing common approaches to the parameters of peacekeeping within this body.

Based on the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen side announced its readiness to consider the forms of its participation in international efforts to strengthen peace. The prospects for participation in the activities of the relevant UN structure, taking into account the neutral status of Turkmenistan, were discussed. The parties expressed confidence that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN will continue to develop in a constructive manner.

In addition, an exchange of views took place on new challenges and threats to international security and their impact on peacekeeping activities.

On September 30, a meeting was held with  the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Jinhua.

During the meeting, the parties noted with satisfaction the effectiveness of Turkmenistan's multifaceted cooperation with the UN.

From the Turkmen side, it was noted that the Government of Turkmenistan fully supports and takes an active part in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development both at the national and international levels. For this purpose, the country has an internal mechanism for providing annual reporting on monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals to the Government.

The parties noted the importance of the adoption of the UN Friendship Games Resolution, initiated by Turkmenistan, and discussed joint activities for the implementation of the provisions laid down in it.

One of the main topics of discussion was the participation of Turkmenistan in the "Summit of the Future" on September 22-23, 2024 at the UN headquarters in New York, in particular, the importance of the chairmanship of the Turkmen side at one of the sessions of the Summit was highlighted.

In addition, the parties discussed joint activities, in particular, consultations on the development of the Transport Sustainability Atlas - the Plan for the Implementation of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026-2035 and the UN International Meeting of Experts on Energy Connectivity, scheduled to be held in October this year in Ashgabat.

On September 30, 2024, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with the UN Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management Movses Abelian.

At the meeting, the parties noted the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN on a wide range of issues.

Good wishes were expressed to the Turkmen side in connection with the beginning of the vice-chairmanship at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties also discussed Turkmenistan's participation in the "Summit of the Future" held in September, during which Turkmenistan chaired one of its sessions.

Among the main topics of discussion was the organization of joint events within the framework of the UN. In this regard, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan intends to continue to make an effective contribution to the implementation of regional and international events at the highest level.

International and regional organizations

On September 26, a meeting was held with  the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Asad Majid Khan.

At the meeting, the parties noted the intensification of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ECO and discussed key areas of cooperation. Among the priorities are energy, transport and communications, trade and economic integration, digitalization, and the development of cultural ties. Separately, the parties dwelled on the issue of strengthening the international legal framework within the Organization and the country's contribution to its human resources.

The parties considered the possibilities of strengthening partnership with the use of platforms created within the framework of the UN. Particular attention was paid to increasing the potential of transport and transit corridors in the North-South and East-West directions, stimulating cross-border economic activity.

Also, the ECO Secretary General, noting the international merits of the city of Arkadag and the wide implementation of innovative solutions, confirmed his interest in organizing high-level events in the new smart city under the auspices of the ECO, primarily aimed at sustainable development issues.

At the meeting, preparations for the upcoming events with the participation of the ECO were discussed.

On September 28, a meeting was held with  the Acting Secretary General, Head of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center Catherine Fearon.

During the meeting, the parties highly appreciated the effectiveness of long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. It was noted that Turkmenistan stands for further improvement of the Organization's activities in its current form, with an emphasis on strengthening regional security and sustainable development.

Current and future joint projects and programs in Turkmenistan were also discussed. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the proposals previously put forward within the framework of the OSCE on the preparation of the Unified Security Strategy, the possibility of preparing an OSCE environmental program and creating a structure for sustainable transport, which meets the priorities of Turkmenistan in the field of environmental protection and development of transport infrastructure and at the same time is relevant in the context of improving the functionality of the Organization.

On September 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Jan Borg, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the activities of the OSCE. In this context, the contribution of Turkmenistan to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Organization was noted.

Particular attention was paid to contacts at the level of heads of structures with the Turkmen side. In particular, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office expressed gratitude for organizing the visits of the heads of the Organization to Turkmenistan.

The parties noted the importance of the upcoming meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council at the end of this year.

Along with this, the heads of foreign states of the two countries discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Malta.

On the same day, R. Meredov met with Ambassador Helga Schmid, former Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

At the meeting, the great personal contribution of Ms. Schmid to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE, including initiatives to expand cooperation in such areas as regional security, climate change, digitalization, and women's empowerment, was emphasized.

For her part, Ambassador Helga Schmid noted the positive contribution of Turkmenistan and its commitment to fruitful cooperation with the OSCE.

The parties exchanged views on further strengthening the partnership of Turkmenistan with the OSCE.

Multilateral Ministerial Meetings

On September 27, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the  annual meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held under the chairmanship of the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the current situation and results of cooperation within the Organization, as well as outlined the prospects for the development of economic cooperation.

In his speech, the head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan noted the importance of strengthening cooperation and developing strategies taking into account modern realities, including in the field of social justice, energy security, sustainable transport, environmental protection, digitalization, etc.

In this context, it was proposed to develop special legal documents that contribute to building up trade and economic cooperation with the coordinating role of the ECO Secretariat.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities of strengthening partnership in the expansion of transit and transport infrastructure designed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, including Afghanistan.

On the same day, a meeting was held in the C5+1 format at the level of foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and the United States of America.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov noted the effectiveness of the above-mentioned format and joint work in such important areas as economy, security, energy and climate change.

In this regard, the vision of the Turkmen side to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States in the above-mentioned and other areas was presented.

At the end of the multilateral meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov exchanged views with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on the further development of cooperation on strategically important issues of Turkmen-American cooperation.

Further, Turkmen-American negotiations were held as part of representative delegations of the two countries.

The American side was represented by the Senior Director of the US National Security Council Nicholas Berliner. The U.S. side was also represented by Special Advisor to the U.S. Department of State Sarah Minkara, Head of the U.S. Department of State's Office Tom West, U.S. Department of State Office Coordinator Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and other officials.

During the talks, the parties considered a wide range of areas of bilateral partnership. In particular, the need for further strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States in the field of security was noted.

Particular attention was paid to energy issues. At the same time, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan and the United States, relying on many years of experience of cooperation in this area, are currently following the path of considering international contacts in the field of international energy. Along with this, the parties gave an overview of the current state and discussed the prospects for trade and economic relations, while assigning a significant role to the Turkmen-American Business Council, which is an effective mechanism for interaction between the two countries.

At the meeting, attention was drawn to the positive experience in the educational, scientific and humanitarian spheres. In particular, the delegations emphasized the long-term work and assistance within the framework of the US government's academic exchange programs.

The parties agreed to further intensify work in this direction.

Bilateral meetings

On September 26, the Turkmen delegation met with Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, during which issues of intensifying cooperation were discussed.

In the political and diplomatic dimension, the importance of regular meetings between the foreign ministries of the two countries was emphasized. In this regard, the parties agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding and a Program of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.

At the same time, the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in the context of bilateral relations was noted. In this regard, the importance of the upcoming visit of the Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of the Czech Republic to Turkmenistan in 2025 was emphasized.

Speaking about trade and economic cooperation, the parties noted the prospects for expanding ties, based on the existing potential in this direction.

The parties agreed to establish a bilateral Turkmen-Czech working group on economic cooperation. Also, in the context of giving impetus to trade and economic activity, the importance of the upcoming visit of the business delegation of the Czech Republic to Ashgabat in October this year was noted.

Then, negotiations were held with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Marko Djuric.

During the conversation, the parties expressed the mutual commitment of the two countries to expand bilateral ties and strengthen the legal framework for cooperation. The interest of Turkmenistan and Serbia in realizing the potential of the countries was confirmed.

The parties considered the possibilities of increasing trade and economic ties and discussed the schedule of bilateral contacts.

The meeting was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

On September 27, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with  the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Konstantinos Kombos, during which the parties assessed the current level of cooperation between the two countries.

The parties discussed bilateral relations in the political and diplomatic sphere, including the strengthening of dialogue between the foreign ministries. The fruitful nature of cooperation within the UN was noted.

The ministers exchanged views on establishing partnership in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in the field of science and education. In particular, the opportunities for academic exchange and training in higher educational institutions of Cyprus were noted.

During the meeting, readiness was expressed to strengthen the legal framework between the two countries in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres, and the preparation by the parties of relevant Memorandums of Understanding between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on political consultations and cooperation, as well as between the responsible departments of the two countries for the development of trade and industrial cooperation.

On the same day, a meeting was held with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Fuad Mohammed Hussein.

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to expand bilateral ties in the political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian fields.

The ministers discussed in detail the planned supplies of Turkmen natural gas to Iraq under SWAP schemes. Issues of investment cooperation were also touched upon and views were exchanged on the current regional agenda.

In the course of the day, R. Meredov also met with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, including trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Interaction and support within the framework of regional and international structures were discussed.

The ministers exchanged views on the organization of bilateral visits, as well as the implementation of joint projects and programs.

In the context of strengthening interstate cooperation, the importance of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was noted. In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to prepare for the next meeting of this commission.

Issues of energy cooperation and the implementation of major infrastructure projects were also the subject of an exchange of views. The important role and regional significance of the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project and its contribution to the development of the region were noted.

Speaking about the regional agenda, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers in the Central Asia + India format.

On September 28, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with the heads of the foreign ministries of the Republic of Albania, the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of the Philippines.

At the meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania Igli Hasani, the  parties considered the possibilities of building up mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The need to strengthen cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries was noted.

During the meeting, issues of expanding trade and industrial cooperation, tourism, attracting investments and establishing contacts between the business circles of the two countries were also touched upon.

The participants of the meeting exchanged views on the development of joint documents to promote interstate cooperation in various fields.

Further, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan met with  the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Paulo Rangel.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed the current level and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation. The positive experience of cooperation within the framework of international structures, primarily the UN, was noted.

The parties expressed interest in establishing ties in the field of water resources management, digitalization, science, culture and education.

The meeting participants also discussed the possibilities of participating in events held in Turkmenistan and Portugal.

On the same day, a meeting was held with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Enrique Manal, at which topical issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. The parties expressed mutual interest in further strengthening relations and expanding partnership in various fields.

Particular attention was paid to the intensification of political dialogue. The importance of holding regular political consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers was emphasized. The possibilities of building up cooperation in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were considered.

One of the main issues discussed at the meeting was the initiative of the Turkmen side to create a new format of interaction between the countries of Central Asia and ASEAN. Turkmenistan proposed to develop a mechanism for the Central Asia-ASEAN dialogue, which will expand cooperation in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

On September 28, a meeting was held with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia Sok Chenda Sofea.

At the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Cambodia. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of international structures, in particular the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and others.

The parties noted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. Thus, at the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia on holding political consultations.

The parties outlined the potential for business activity and trade cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, the possibility of sending business delegations and representatives of the trade sphere to explore the possibilities of trade relations was discussed.

The ministers also discussed the organization of joint events and prospects for cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On September 30, a meeting was organized with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua Waldrak Ludwig Whitaker.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed the level of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Nicaragua. The expediency of establishing a mechanism for political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries was announced.

The parties noted the importance of organizing mutual visits at the appropriate level for promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation. The importance of joint efforts to promote peace-loving initiatives within the framework of the UN and other authoritative structures was emphasized.

At the meeting, interest was expressed in the development of trade and economic ties. In addition, the parties discussed the possibilities of establishing cooperation in the field of science, culture, sports, tourism and strengthening the bilateral legal framework in priority areas.