United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for hosting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. During a meeting with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Guterres commended Turkmenistan for its generosity in granting citizenship to stateless individuals and providing the UN Country Team with a new building.
In a press encounter in Ashgabat, Guterres praised Turkmenistan for playing a crucial role in international relations, particularly in cooperation with the United Nations. He highlighted Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality as commendable in the current turbulent times. The Secretary-General’s visit to Central Asia, which includes Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, aims to strengthen partnerships and address regional challenges.
Guterres noted that the Central Asian region has faced significant global challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and the escalating climate crisis. Despite these obstacles, he commended the improved relations and deepened regional cooperation among Central Asian countries, with Turkmenistan playing a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and collaboration.
The region continues to grapple with various development hurdles, such as water shortages, land degradation, natural hazards, and insufficient connectivity. Guterres emphasized the interconnected nature of these challenges and stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation, with Turkmenistan at the forefront of regional cooperation efforts.
The establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy showcases the UN’s commitment to Central Asia. Guterres highlighted the Center as a platform for Central Asian countries to come together and find common solutions, particularly in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and managing natural resources for the region’s benefit.
Addressing the intensifying climate crisis, Guterres underscored the urgent need for more ambitious climate action and emissions cuts to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He acknowledged Turkmenistan’s efforts in advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasized the importance of sustainable, inclusive development rooted in respect for human rights in all spheres.
Guterres encouraged Turkmenistan to continue engaging with UN human rights mechanisms and implementing recommendations to enhance sustainable development and human rights protections in the country. The Secretary-General’s visit to Turkmenistan and other Central Asian nations underscores the UN’s commitment to supporting regional cooperation, addressing common challenges, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all.
Overall, Guterres’ visit to Turkmenistan highlighted the country’s vital role in promoting peace, dialogue, and sustainable development in Central Asia, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and partnership in addressing global challenges.
