General Assembly President visit to Turkmenistan focused on regional peace and stability, gender equality, and socio-economic recovery from COVID -19

The President was received in Ashgabat by H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan. The President of the General Assembly commended the President of Turkmenistan for his commitment to multilateralism and for remaining a global leader in, and advocate of, political neutrality.

They discussed the need for a transformational recovery from COVID-19, the ongoing environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region, and the need to strengthen regional trade and infrastructure to boost economic growth and maintain peace and stability.

The Presidents also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and underlined the importance of supporting Afghanistan and its people on their path towards peace and political reconciliation in the country.

The President of the General Assembly congratulated Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of independence and recognized a quarter century of political neutrality.

The President also expressed his appreciation for plans for an upcoming regional summit in Turkmenistan, which will include a specific focus on women leaders.

The Presidents also underlined the imperative of fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, everywhere for everyone.

The President of the General Assembly thanked Turkmenistan for continuing to host the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and supporting its activities through dialogue and diplomacy.

The President also held a bilateral meeting and luncheon with Mr. Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In addition to an exchange of views on global pandemic recovery and the need to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, the President and Foreign Minister reflected on challenges for Middle-Income Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries in pursuing development objectives. They also talked about climate action, digitalization and connectivity as well as the recent developments in Afghanistan. 

The President’s final bilateral meeting was with Mrs. Gulshat Mammedova, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The President reflected on the similarities between parliaments and the UN General Assembly, noting the responsibility of each to remain operational and working on behalf of the people they served, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to bilateral discussions, the President held a discussion with the UN Country Team to learn of initiatives and efforts underway in support of Turkmenistan and the Central Asian region.