Three-day political consultations between the Foreign policy agencies of Turkmenistan and the United States of America in the format of a video conference started.
The main vectors of bilateral cooperation are on the agenda, in particular, security issues, trade and economic ties, the humanitarian spectrum.
Opening the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov outlined the Turkmen-American relations, which are acquiring positive dynamics of development. It was noted that President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highly characterized the relations of Turkmenistan with the United States at the last meeting of the Government. In particular, noting that “the United States is one of the important trade, economic and foreign policy partners of Turkmenistan, with which interaction is carried out in the field of ensuring regional security, combating serious threats and challenges, as well as in other areas.”
On the first day of political consultations, cooperation in the field of security was discussed. The parties reviewed the results of interaction and outlined priority areas of cooperation for the future.
The principle of security integrity was voiced, which Turkmenistan adheres to on the basis of its neutral status. It was noted that Turkmenistan came up with a number of initiatives to ensure security in Central Asia and the Caspian region, primarily within the framework of the UN.
Cooperation in the field of border protection and combating illegal drug trafficking was considered. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan is an active participant in almost all international legal acts in the field of countering drugs. Also, Turkmenistan is a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 2020-2023.
The parties discussed issues of regional and international security, emphasized the growing threat of terrorism in the world.
Particular emphasis is placed on peace building in Afghanistan. The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan on the country’s readiness to provide its political space for the establishment of peace negotiations between the Government of Afghanistan and the relevant parties was emphasized.
In this context, the effectiveness of interaction formats such as “Central Asia + USA” and “Turkmenistan-USA-Afghanistan” was highlighted.
During the meeting, the parties expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in ensuring security, including through cooperation between the specialized structures of the two countries.
On 2nd day, Political consultations between Turkmenistan and the United States of America continued in the format of a video conference.
In particular, the meeting participants discussed humanitarian issues. Turkmenistan actively cooperates with the United States on issues related to human rights and maintains an open dialogue in this area.
The delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov presented a detailed overview of the measures taken in the country to protect and maintain human rights and freedoms, taking into account the national and cultural characteristics of the country. Particular emphasis is placed on respecting rights at work in accordance with international labor standards and in cooperation with the International Labor Organization.
During the meeting, the practical actions of Turkmenistan to ensure freedom of religion and other fundamental human rights were reflected. Specific examples of socio-economic and legal reforms carried out in the country were given. The importance of the Interdepartmental Commission on ensuring Turkmenistan’s compliance with international obligations in the area of human rights and international humanitarian law was emphasized.
In addition, Turkmenistan closely cooperates with international and regional structures in countering the threats and challenges of our time, including the fight against human trafficking.
During the political consultations, educational and cultural ties were also discussed. The parties exchanged views on expanding the range of cultural cooperation, including the protection and rational use of cultural and historical heritage sites.
The final stage of political consultations between Turkmenistan and the United States took place in the format of a video conference.
From the Turkmen side, the meeting was attended by the heads and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, as well as the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The US delegation was led by Dan Negrea, a senior State Department official.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current level of trade-economic cooperation and exchanged views on expanding partnership in areas of mutual interest.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov emphasized that trade-economic ties are one of the main areas of joint activities of the two countries. He spoke for the further development of partnership in investment and innovation activities, in the field of modernization of production and mutual trade. The success of the long-term work of American companies in the Turkmen market and the effectiveness of the Turkmen-American Business Council were emphasized.
The participants of the meeting listened to the presentations of the parties on the main vectors of interaction. The practical steps of Turkmenistan towards improving the investment and business climate of the country, as well as the regulatory framework were highlighted, which was confirmed by the reports of reputable international financial institutions, in particular the IMF, EBRD and the World Bank. This is also evidenced by the accession of Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organization as an observer. The activity on the economic empowerment of women in Turkmenistan was noted.
The parties spoke about the importance of the United States Agency for International Cooperation (USAID), including its role in the implementation of joint projects at the national level and within the framework of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United States “C5 + 1”. The importance of the Investment and Trade and Investments Framework Agreement (TIFA) was also highlighted.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of developing cooperation in the implementation of infrastructure projects of regional and international importance. Potential directions include the creation of interregional transport and transit corridors along the East-West and South-North lines with access to Asian, European and Middle East markets, as well as the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and other mutually acceptable projects.
The parties also talked about expanding partnerships in the field of environmental safety, including the creation of production facilities for renewable energy sources and the implementation of scientific exchanges.
Summing up the political consultations, the parties expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the United States, and also reaffirmed their commitment to partnership in the interests of global peace, security, progress and constructive development.