At a government meeting via video link, the key positions of Turkmenistan at the next, 76th session of the UN General Assembly, which will begin work on September 14th this year in New York, were discussed.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov spoke on this issue at the meeting, saying that the above document was developed on the basis of proposals of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and includes a number of topical directions. One of them is the consolidation of the efforts of the international community in the fight against the global threat - a dangerous infection of a new type, as well as in minimizing the socio-economic consequences caused by its spread. In this context, steps will be taken to implement the initiatives and concrete proposals previously put forward by the leader of the nation. Among them - the activation of international cooperation through scientific diplomacy, the establishment of a multilateral WHO mechanism for the fight against pneumonia, the development of a Special WHO program for studying the genome of coronavirus infection, the creation of the WHO Methodological Center for the Treatment and Prevention of Acute Infectious Diseases, as well as the Center for Epidemiology, Virology and bacteriology in Central Asia.
The strengthening of global peace and security is of particular importance in modern conditions. In this regard, during the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, work will also be carried out to implement the initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan aimed at strengthening peace, security and stability, ensuring sustainable development in Central Asia. To enhance the key role of Central Asia in modern world geopolitics, as well as to coordinate the transformations taking place in the region with the global agenda, the Turkmen side has been invited to submit for consideration a draft of the relevant UN General Assembly Resolution. This document will create favorable preconditions for the advancement of international proposals within the UN framework, voiced at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, held on August 6 in our country.
In addition, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly it is proposed to voice the initiative to create a zone of peace, trust and cooperation “Central Asia - Caspian region”. It seems expedient to legally consolidate it at the VI Caspian Summit to be held this year in Turkmenistan.
The fight against terrorism is also identified among the priority positions of Turkmenistan. In this regard, the Community of Nations will be invited to consider the issue of opening in Ashgabat a structure for international projects of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to strengthening multilateral partnerships to achieve sustainable development on a global and regional scale.
As a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), our country pays great attention to expanding relations with specialized regional structures of the UN for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this aspect, within the framework of the chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization, our country has prepared a draft General Assembly Resolution on interaction between the UN and ECO.
In order to ensure universal access to energy sources, which is one of the SDGs, it is proposed, together with the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative, to organize an International Forum on this issue.
In the context of the implementation of the proposals of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the field of sustainable transport, it is planned to hold an International Conference of Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan in 2022. In addition, it seems expedient to propose the creation of a special program for the development of interregional transport communications under the patronage of the UN. It is also envisaged to carry out work on the practical implementation of the initiatives of the leader of the nation concerning the preparation of the Strategy for the development of low-carbon energy within the framework of the UN, as well as an international “road map” for the development of hydrogen energy. To this end, it is proposed to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
It is also planned to expand Ashgabat's participation in UNESCO activities. In particular, it is envisaged to optimally use the opportunities of Turkmenistan as a member of the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the Intergovernmental Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, as well as to ensure his election to the Intergovernmental Council of the UNESCO International Hydrological Program for 2021-2025.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan's unwavering commitment to constructive cooperation, both in a multilateral and bilateral format, including within the framework of international organizations.
“Our country carries out a multifaceted strategic partnership with the UN, which is filled with new content from year to year. Concrete initiatives of Turkmenistan in key areas of international relations are intended to contribute to this,” the head of state noted.
The leader of the nation instructed Meredov to provide organized preparation for the participation of Turkmenistan in the upcoming 76th session of the UN General Assembly and take measures to inform the general public of the priority positions of our country, to promote its international initiatives.
