Meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Meeting Between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
On September 28, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York between Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
During the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres commended Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality, recognizing it as a successful model for promoting peace and stability. He also expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s efforts in eradicating statelessness and its dedication to this cause.
Discussions between the two parties focused on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Turkmenistan, as well as addressing regional peace and security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. The ongoing support provided by Turkmenistan to the Afghan people was highlighted and praised.
Both parties reflected on the successful visit of the UN Secretary-General to Turkmenistan in July of that year, where high-level meetings with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took place. Secretary-General Guterres conveyed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of the visit.
Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to a foreign policy based on permanent neutrality and expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the UN in implementing the Global Security Strategy initiative proposed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov during the previous General Assembly session.
Minister Meredov shared updates on the implementation plan and agreements reached following the UN Secretary-General’s visit, emphasizing strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. The upcoming designation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” by the UN at Turkmenistan’s initiative was highlighted, with plans to develop a Program of Events for the occasion.
Regarding assistance to Afghanistan, Minister Meredov mentioned the launch of key transport and energy projects on the Turkmen-Afghan border as part of Turkmenistan’s ongoing support to the Afghan people. He assured that these projects will adhere strictly to international legal norms.
Turkmenistan expressed gratitude for the UN’s recognition of its efforts in eradicating statelessness, underscoring humanitarian work as a central pillar of the country’s policy and its partnership with the UN. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration in promoting peace, security, and trust on a global scale.
