ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 12-14 October, the UNRCCA together with other UN entities and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan organized the first diplomatic mini-football tournament for the "UN Preventive Diplomacy Cup" at Kopetdag stadium in Ashgabat.

While highlighting the main idea of the tournament - the importance of the UN preventive diplomacy in maintaining peace and security in the world- this year's competition was dedicated to the celebration of the UN Day, 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's accession to the UN and 5th anniversary of the establishment of UNRCCA.

The teams of the Embassies of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the UN took part in the tournament. Kazakhstan won the "UN Preventive Diplomacy Cup" this year. The UN and the USA gained silver and bronze medals respectively. The trophy is kept by the winner until a new champion is crowned in the next "UN Preventive Diplomacy Cup" tournament to take place in 2013.

Ambassadors' friendly match attracted increased attention and genuine support by the fans just before the final of the tournament started. Heads of Mission of Belorussia, EBRD, Georgia, Malaysia, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA, UN SRSG, UN Resident Coordinator as well as Turkmenistan MFA senior officials showed their skills on the football pitch. The event once again underscored the role of sport in strengthening friendly relations between people and countries.