NEW YORK, September 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held meetings with H.E. Mr. Erlan A. Idrissov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Erlan Abdyldayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in the margins of the 68th regular session of the UN General Assembly. Press statements, highlighting key points of discussions, were issued after each meeting.

 NEW YORK, 28 September 2013 -- Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Erlan A. Idrissov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the margins of the 68th United Nations General Assembly

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Erlan Idrissov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. They discussed regional developments in Central Asia, including prospects for cooperation on water and energy management and counter-terrorism efforts, as well as the UN’s potential role in these areas. The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and exchanged views on Iran.

The Secretary-General briefed the Minister on the latest developments at the UN regarding Syria, and also the urgent humanitarian efforts both for the population inside Syria and for the refugees in the neighbouring countries.

The Secretary-General raised various human rights concerns, and welcomed Kazakhstan’s commitment to ensure that half its energy comes from renewable sources by 2050. He expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s offer to host more UN activities there, as well as Kazakhstan’s continued support for global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

The Secretary-General and the Minister underlined the importance of the post-2015 development agenda.

 NEW YORK, 28 September 2013 -- Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Erlan Abdyldayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic on the margins of the 68th United Nations General Assembly

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Erlan Abdyldayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

They discussed the support of the Peacebuilding Fund to Kyrgyzstan, noting the progress made as well as remaining key challenges. They exchanged views on regional cooperation in Central Asia, including in regard to water management and counter-terrorism.

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also noted the situation in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan’s contribution to overall peace and stability efforts.

 NEW YORK, 28 September 2013 --Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on the margins of the 68th United Nations General Assembly

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

They discussed regional cooperation in Central Asia, including water management and cooperation on counter-terrorism, as well as key political and human rights issues in Turkmenistan.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s contributions towards stability and development in Afghanistan. The Secretary-General also welcomed Turkmenistan’s initiative on energy security.