Meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Today, in the National Tourist Zone "Avaza", a meeting took place between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

The President extended a heartfelt welcome to the Secretary-General, expressing gratitude for his presence at this significant international event, held under the theme “Advancing Progress through Partnerships.” President Berdimuhamedov underscored Turkmenistan’s unwavering support for the global development agenda and voiced confidence that the Conference would serve as a constructive platform for the implementation of the newly adopted Programme of Action for LLDCs, approved by the United Nations in December 2024.

Secretary-General Guterres, expressing his sincere appreciation for the cordial reception, noted his pleasure at returning to Turkmenistan. He praised Turkmenistan's proactive approach to addressing pressing global issues and its commitment to fostering multilateral partnerships based on mutual respect and long-term vision. He emphasised that Turkmenistan, with its extensive peacebuilding experience, serves as a key strategic partner of the United Nations in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development.

Commending Turkmenistan’s efforts in organising the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs, Mr. Guterres extended gratitude on behalf of the international community for the facilities and support provided.

President Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to ensuring the successful and high-level organisation of the Conference, wishing it fruitful outcomes.

Highlighting Turkmenistan’s neutral status, The President of Turkmenistan reiterated the country’s commitment to a peaceful and constructive foreign policy and to broad international cooperation aimed at ensuring global peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. In this context, Turkmenistan’s collaboration with the United Nations remains of strategic importance.

The meeting also underscored the significance of 2025 in the history of bilateral relations: this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s legal recognition as a neutral state.

Furthermore, attention was drawn to the declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust”, an initiative proposed by Turkmenistan and endorsed by a Resolution of the UN General Assembly.

– “The high-level United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, currently taking place on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea, highlights the importance we attach to strengthening our cooperation,” President Berdimuhamedov stated.

It was noted that the need to enhance international collaboration to address the specific challenges faced by LLDCs is more urgent than ever. Turkmenistan actively supports the deepening of multilateral partnerships and intra-regional dialogue in this regard.

In this context, both parties expressed confidence that this significant decennial event – convening governments, international organisations, the private sector, academia, and civil society – would mark a meaningful step towards achieving sustainable development, improving connectivity, and developing international transport corridors.

During the meeting, President Berdimuhamedov expressed his sincere appreciation to António Guterres for his contribution to the strengthening of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.

Secretary-General Guterres, acknowledging Turkmenistan’s substantial progress in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighted the importance of the nation’s international initiatives and its multifaceted efforts to utilise its peacebuilding potential for the benefit of all humanity.

In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed their shared conviction that the strategic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the United Nations will continue to strengthen peace and sustainable development both regionally and globally. The meeting concluded with an exchange of best wishes.