Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who arrived in Samarkand for the first Central Asia-European Union Summit, also took part in the opening ceremony of the first international forum «Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity» held here.

The two-day forum, organised at the Congress Centre of the «Silk Road Samarkand» complex, has become one of the most important world events in the field of ecology and climate change.

Among its participants were heads of states of Central Asia, the leaders of the European Union, leading world experts, government officials and members of governments of a number of foreign countries, representatives of international organisations and major financial institutions.

Among honoured guests were President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, UN Deputy Secretary-Generals - Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw as well as Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS Ivana Zivkovic, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Kiriakos Kakuris and others.

Having warmly greeted numerous participants of the International Climate Forum devoted to the main challenge of the present - global climate changes, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev underlined importance of maintenance of ecological well-being and in this connection noted necessity of strengthening of the dialogue and development of joint actions to solve climatic issues topical for all mankind as the key factor of general sustainable development.

Then, the video message of Secretary General of United Nations Antonio Guterres, in which the head of the authoritative international organisation especially underlined topicality of the topics touched upon and initiatives put forward by states of the Central Asian region, was shown, having wished successes in the work of the climate forum aimed at consolidation of efforts for solution of general ecological issues of the modern world.

Then, the floor was given to honoured guests of the forum.

Addressing the gathered, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out that the problems connected with climate change, traditionally take a special place within the format «Central Asia-European Union».

- I consider that today our goal is provide the main, priority areas of cooperation and to create firm preconditions for their realisation, - the President of Turkmenistan said, having underlined that the European Union is considered as a perspective partner in principle issues on climate challenges.

Joint adherence to basic international conventions, contracts and agreements, first of all the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement serve a basis for such interaction.

The head of Turkmenistan first of all designated decarbonization and reduction of methane emissions among facing major issues.

As known, lately on this way Turkmenistan has taken many large practical steps.

So, in 2023 the Commission on reduction of emissions of methane was created. In December of the same year, Turkmenistan officially declared on its joining the Global Methane Pledge. In addition to it, the Government adopted the Road map of international cooperation of Turkmenistan with foreign countries and international organisations on reduction of emissions of methane into the atmosphere.

As a result, by the end of 2024 methane emissions in our country were reduced by 11 percent that is higher the planned level.

- An important aspect of partnership is realisation of ecological initiatives of Turkmenistan, which are well known and carry both a regional and global character. Among them - creation of the Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and preparation of the Program of transition to circular economy, the head of the state continued, having marked that Turkmenistan counts on support of the European Union in their implementation.

As was underlined, priorities of partnership with the EU also include «green transition» in energy, industries, transport and other important areas of economy connected with manufacture and life-support.

- We invite the European Union for substantial and long-term joint work. Proposing to intensify the dialogue on "green" subjects, we consider it expedient to allocate for it a separate line of activity within our format and to start development of concrete plans of interaction already for the near future, - President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

A special emphasis was also made on water problematics, which has a basic significance for the region. Here again, according to the head of the state, technological and methodical assistance of the European Union can make positive impact on solution of existing complexities.

- The position of Turkmenistan in issues of water policy in the region is known. They should be solved on the basis of three key principles: international law observance; mutual account of interests; involvement of international organisations, and first of all the United Nations, - the President of the country stated.

As was marked, with a view of preservation and strengthening of good neighbourhood, development and cooperation in Central Asia, adjustment of the mechanism of water use from trans boundary rivers of the region, Turkmenistan proposed the United Nations General Assembly to consider the initiative on creation of the Regional council of the United Nations for issues of water use in countries of Central Asia.

Among key issues of ecological, social, economic, and humanitarian well-being in the region, the rescue of the Aral was also outlined. It was underlined that Turkmenistan counts on more concrete and purposeful international discussion of this problem, including development of measures of support of activity of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea on the basis of corresponding resolutions of the General Assembly of the United Nations. It was in this connection proposed to achieve jointly full implementation of these documents.

At the end of his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again thanked President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for wonderful organisation of the Summit, and all people of brotherly Uzbekistan - for hospitality and warm reception.

Tomorrow, the forum will continue its work within specialised sessions: « green economy as a path to sustainable development »; « Preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems of Central Asia in response to climate challenges »; «Clean energy: a foundation of sustainable and environmentally friendly development»; « Integrated water resources management under climate change in Central Asia»; « Youth: Looking to the Future with Optimism»; « Sustainable cities and climate challenges: integrated planning and management »; « Scientific approaches and innovative solutions to climate change: global challenges and local strategies ».

On completion of the program of the two-day working visit President Serdar Berdimuhamedov headed towards the International airport of Samarkand city, from where he left for his homeland.

Having completed its flight, the airliner landed at the International airport of Ashgabat where officials met the head of the Turkmen state.