Heads of foreign policy departments of five countries of Central Asia and head of the US State Department Antony J. Blinken discussed urgent issues of cooperation of the region and the USA in the dialogue platform «С5+1». The meeting was held in an online format on Friday, April 23.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov in his speech noted a constructive approach of all parties of «С5+1» to partnership development in political-diplomatic, trade and economic, ecological and other spheres.

Having underlined initiatives proceeding from Turkmenistan and the proposal on the broadening of interaction of Central Asian countries with the United States in these areas, the minister gave particular attention to issues of climate change and preservation of the environment.

In particular, it concerned the prospect of creation of the Regional Centre for Technologies connected with climate change, formation of scientific-ecological clusters and as the first step in the given direction - organisation of a series of educational trainings with participation of American experts.

The Turkmen diplomat in detail developed on the Aral problem, having called for intensification of work on preparation of UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin initiated by the president of Turkmenistan.

In the aspect of water problematics, Meredov confirmed an exact position of Turkmenistan which consists of that water issues in Central Asia should be solved on the basis of conventional norms of international law, taking into account interests of all countries of the region and with the assistance of international organisations.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed aspects of the regional policy, further cooperation between states of Central Asia and the USA in the field of economy, security in the region, combat of climate change, restoration of stable peace in Afghanistan.