Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Director General of the UN Office in Geneva discussed topical issues of cooperation

Ashqabat; On November 18, 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov had a meeting via videoconference with the Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmament Tatiana Valovaya.

During the meeting, the sides stressed the high level of long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations in various areas. It was noted that this partnership is being replenished with new content in accordance with new realities and challenges.

It was noted that Turkmenistan actively cooperates not only with the headquarters, but also with the regional offices of the UN. Effective contacts continue with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and others.

During the meeting, the parties expressed interest in promoting joint work aimed at achieving global security and stability, human rights protection, environmental and energy security.

Cooperation to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and its socio-economic consequences was especially discussed. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan supports the coordinated efforts of the international community to combat COVID-19, in particular through close cooperation with the World Health Organization, which is also headquartered in Geneva. In this context, it was noted that Turkmenistan, within the framework of the 75th session of the General Assembly, proposes to consider the development and establishment of relevant international instruments in the field of health.

The parties expressed their hope for continued effective cooperation for the benefit of all peoples.

Turkmenistan supports the processes of non-proliferation and disarmament

During the videoconference with the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmament Tatiana Valovaya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan noted the importance of strengthening international cooperation for the attainment of overall security and reiterated the interest of Turkmenistan in the promotion of the Single Concept of Security.

In the framework of its neutral status, Turkmenistan is ready to contribute to the international efforts on advancing the negotiations on non-proliferation and disarmament. Being a part of the fundamental treaties and conventions of the UN, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Turkmenistan stands for the advancement of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia.

It was stated that upon the initiative of Turkmenistan and with the assistance of the UN in June 2010, Ashgabat hosted the International Conference on disarmament in Central Asia and Caspian Basin. In this context, the proposal of the Turkmen side on the establishment of permanently functioning platform for political dialogue on disarmament issues in the region was voiced.

The parties emphasized the significance of using preventive measures in disarmament issues. Also the readiness of Turkmenistan to render assistance to the process of enhancement of the capabilities of specialists in the given area was expressed.

A constructive exchange of views took place on the prospects of cooperation.