UNODC and the Government of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation for peace and security in Central Asia

On the 10th of November, Ms. Ghada Fathy Waly, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting via video conference.

Mr. Rashid Meredov expressed Turkmenistan’s continuing commitment to enhance cooperation with UNODC on countering and preventing transnational organized crime, terrorism and illicit drug trafficking. Being a party to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and International Drug Control Conventions, Turkmenistan stands ready to strengthen the cooperation at the regional and international levels; Turkmenistan will actively collaborate on the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. During the meeting, the parties noted the high level of cooperation established between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNODC and discussed the results of joint work highlighting the opportunities for further strengthening collaboration.

The parties have underlined the effectiveness of the regional and international platforms for cooperation. The practical steps for the implementation of the “Road Map” on further development of cooperation of Turkmenistan with the UNODC in 2019-2021 and plans for 2021 were outlined. Mr. Meredov reaffirmed the interest of the Government of Turkmenistan in the extension of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia.

Mr. Rashid Meredov reiterated Turkmenistan’s firm position on the advancement of regional and global counter-narcotics efforts, including within the framework of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC).

Ms. Ghada Fathy Waly expressed the willingness of UNODC to further strengthen cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan within the UNODC Programme for Central Asia, the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries and UNODC’s global initiatives, including joint UNODC/WCO Container Control Programme. Ms. Waly emphasized the importance of strengthening security measures on emerging trade and transit corridors in the region to address challenges related to drugs, crime and terrorism, especially in the context of Turkmenistan’s positive development efforts in the transport sector. This is an area of mutual interest to both parties and contributes to advancing peace, security and development.

UNODC and the Government of Turkmenistan expressed the hope for the continuation of fruitful cooperation for peace, security and development in the region and beyond.

 

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