Ashgabat, January 8 | ORIENT. A meeting between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and UN Resident Coordinator Dmitry Shlapachenko took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The talks marked a symbolic transition from summing up the past five years to the practical launch of a new chapter in the partnership.
Three Pillars of Cooperation for the Coming Years
From 2025 to 2030: The parties discussed in detail the completion of the 2021–2025 Cooperation Framework and moved on to discussing the mechanisms for implementing the new Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030. This document, signed in October 2025 on the 80th anniversary of the UN, will serve as the main vector for Turkmenistan's sustainable development over the next five years.
Expanding Presence: Turkmenistan has expressed interest in opening new offices of specialized UN agencies and departments in the country. This underscores Ashgabat's status as a regional hub for international cooperation.
Projects in Action: Dozens of joint programs with the UN are currently being implemented in Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed that the pace of program and project activities will increase, encompassing the environment, healthcare, inclusive economy, and youth diplomacy.
Coming Events
Diplomats outlined a schedule for the first joint events in 2026. These include:
A major conference jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on food security.
Educational courses for young diplomats aimed at developing the country's human resources potential.
The beginning of 2026 marks a turning point for new meanings for Turkmenistan. The transition to the 2026–2030 program means that the country is not only adhering to the global SDG agenda but is also actively shaping its regional component. Negotiations with the UN Resident Coordinator confirm that Turkmenistan remains a reliable and predictable partner in the architecture of the global community.
