THE FOREIGN MINISTRY OF TURKMENISTAN HOSTED A MEETING WITH THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UN FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

On December 10, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a delegation led by Mr. Rashid Khalikov, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations on humanitarian issues of partnership with countries of the Middle East and Central Asia, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit.

During the meeting, the parties noted the humanitarian support of Turkmenistan, periodically provided to neighboring countries, as well as countries affected by natural phenomena and disasters, and also, taking into account the Organization’s best practices in preparedness and response to emergency situations, discussed further cooperation in this direction. In this context, the issues of Turkmenistan’s membership in the International Consultative Group on search and rescue operations (INSARAG) have been discussed.

Also, during the negotiations, the parties discussed a number of issues related to the cooperation of the Government of Turkmenistan with the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). In addition, the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in ensuring the participation of Turkmenistan in international relief operations both inside and outside the country was considered.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed further readiness in bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including in the provision of technical support to relevant government partners.