On February 16, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. During the meeting, the Head of State was presented with the prestigious award “For Contribution to the Promotion of Peace, Unity and Diplomacy in Health”.

This gesture from the World Health Organization represents official recognition of Turkmenistan’s efforts to develop health diplomacy and strengthen international cooperation. Hans Kluge also congratulated the President on the country’s assumption of the CIS chairmanship, which in 2026 is held under the banner of health protection.

The award underscores that in the modern world, medicine is not only about treating disease but also a tool of international solidarity. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that he views this distinction as a high appraisal of the systematic work carried out by the entire national medical community.

As part of his visit to Ashgabat, Hans Kluge took part in the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy. As the Head of State emphasised, the forum will serve as a platform for exchanging experience and forging new partnerships aimed at strengthening the resilience of regional healthcare systems to global challenges.

Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness not only to implement best international practices, but also to share its own positive experience in preventive medicine and healthy nutrition.

ORIENT