Ashgabat, 13 June 2017 – On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres, accompanied by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mr. Rashid Meredov, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Aksoltan Atayeva and UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova visited the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA).

This visit was an occasion to mark the 10th year anniversary of the Centre, which was established in 2007. Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Petko Draganov welcomed the distinguished guests and underlined past activities and achievements of the Centre during this period. He also called for further engagement with all governments of the region and the promotion of preventive diplomacy methods and instruments to address existing and emerging challenges.

United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres congratulated the Centre and its staff and emphasized its importance as a platform for Regional Dialogue to address existing challenges and threats. He also encouraged the Centre to make further use of its robust preventive diplomacy mandate as it promotes regional cooperation in Central Asia.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mr. Rashid Meredov emphasized the geopolitical importance of Turkmenistan as a strategic UN partner and hub to advance preventive policies in Central Asia and the broader region. Mr. Meredov also expressed willingness for further cooperation between Central Asian countries within UNRCCA initiatives and activities