ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 20 May 2019, in Ashgabat, SRSG Natalia Gherman met with H.E. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary. SRSG informed the Hungarian Minister about the range of activities of the UNRCCA in Central Asia, focusing in particular on the efforts to support the regional partners in implementing the provisions of the Global Counter-terrorism Strategy by means of a Joint Plan of Action. It was also noted that water diplomacy constitutes an important part of the UNRCCA’s mandate. In this context, the Minister was informed about the new water project that UNRCCA coordinated with its Central Asian partners for the next three years. Mentioning the crucial importance of working with the young people in Central Asia, SRSG highlighted the new Youth initiative that the UNRCCA is launching in 2019 to promote the knowledge and culture of prevention, in particular among the youth in cross-border areas.

Minister Szijjártó underlined that Hungary appreciates the work of the UNRCCA and expressed the willingness to cooperate with the UNRCCA in support of water, energy and climate related fields of activity. Minister referred to  the Hungarian expertise and technologies in the field of water management that are internationally recognized. Minister Szijjártó also focused on importance of ensuring security and stability in the region and noted that the new Europe-Central Asia Strategy would help the sides to enhance economic and infrastructural connectivity.