President of Turkmenistan meets with UN Secretary General

In the Avaza National Tourist Zone, a meeting was held between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

Having warmly welcomed the distinguished guest to the Turkmen land, the head of state thanked the UN Secretary-General for accepting the invitation to the next UN Conference on LLDCs, which is being held under the motto "Promoting Progress through Partnerships", the head of state expressed confidence that the current Forum will allow constructively implementing the new Program of Action adopted in December 2024 in the interests of landlocked countries.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the warm welcome, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that he was very pleased to visit Turkmenistan again. Having highly appreciated the active approach of the Turkmen side to solving urgent problems and establishing a multilateral partnership based on mutual respect and with a focus on the long-term perspective, the guest emphasized that Turkmenistan, which has accumulated solid experience in peacekeeping, is a key strategic partner of the UN in maintaining global peace, security and sustainable development.

Having also highly appreciated Turkmenistan’s efforts to organize the Third UN Conference on LLDCs, António Guterres, on behalf of the representatives of the Community of Nations, thanked the head of state for the opportunities provided.

Noting that the Turkmen side will do everything necessary to ensure a high level of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished it a successful outcome.

During the meeting, the significance of 2025 in the history of bilateral partnership was noted: this year marks 80 years since the establishment of the UN and 30 years since Turkmenistan acquired the legal status of neutrality.

At the same time, emphasis is placed on the declaration, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” in accordance with the Resolution of the UN General Assembly.

- The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries is being held on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea these days. The organization of the High-Level Forum in Turkmenistan, in turn, demonstrates the special importance attached to the expansion of our cooperation, - said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The interlocutors expressed confidence that such a significant event, which is held once every ten years with the participation of all interested parties – governments, international structures, the private sector, academic societies, civil society, will become an important step in achieving sustainable development on the planet, establishing interconnectivity and creating transport corridors.

During the meeting, the head of state expressed sincere gratitude to António Guterres for his contribution to expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN.

Noting with satisfaction the significant progress of Turkmenistan towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of international initiatives and the multifaceted activities of the Turkmen side, which seeks to effectively use its peacekeeping potential in the interests of all mankind.

At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, expressing confidence that the strategic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the UN will consistently strengthen peace and sustainable development in the region and on the planet, exchanged best wishes.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan