Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

On 9 April, in Ashgabat, SRSG Natalia Gherman met with H.E. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to discuss the situation in the region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including ongoing cooperation and acts of solidarity among the Central Asian states.

Speaking about regional cooperation, SRSG commended contacts at different levels, including at the highest political level, and mutual support of the Central Asian states during the current global crisis. In particular, she noted offers of humanitarian assistance between neighboring countries and interaction in repatriation of citizens.

SRSG informed about a coordinated UN’s engagement in support of the Member States addressing emerging challenges. She also highlighted the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for global ceasefire and the report on shared responsibility and global solidarity in response to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. It was agreed to maximize the use of online contacts to ensure continuity of different initiatives at the regional level.