Ashgabat and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) are moving toward long-term strategic planning in the area of sustainable urbanism and digital urban development. A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and UN-Habitat Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Erfan Ali, who arrived in the Turkmen capital as a guest of honor at the 25th International Universal Exhibition and Conference "White City Ashgabat."

The parties noted the progressive momentum of the bilateral dialogue, emphasizing its high importance for integrating advanced international standards into the country's urban development policy.

The main practical focus of the talks was the discussion of legal and institutional mechanisms for expanding partnership. The diplomats analyzed the progress of implementing the agreements reached within the framework of the current basic Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and UN-Habitat.

The Turkmen side placed particular emphasis on the importance of the high-quality preparation and presentation of the draft Country Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030. This comprehensive document aims to clearly define key priorities for cooperation over the next five years, including the modernization of urban infrastructure, the implementation of resource-saving technologies, and the development of smart city systems.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to hold regular interagency consultations to rapidly expand practical cooperation.

ORIENT previously reported that Ashgabat and the UN Human Settlements Programme are discussing the opening of a representative office – the UN-Habitat Regional Office – in Turkmenistan.

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