On November 12, while participating in the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a series of meetings with the heads of international and regional organizations.
During a meeting with the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Salim Mohammed AlMalik, the two sides discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to expanding practical engagement, taking into account Turkmenistan’s status as an observer state to ICESCO, which the country attained in 2026. The parties also exchanged views on international cooperation regarding climate change, the advancement of scientific research, the implementation of modern environmental technologies, and the enhancement of professional expertise.
In a meeting with Roland Mollerus, Acting High Representative of the UN for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, the discussion focused primarily on the practical implementation of the outcome documents from the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held from August 5–8, 2025, in the "Avaza" National Tourist Zone. The implementation of the Avaza Political Declaration and the Avaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the decade 2024–2034 was also addressed. The Turkmen side emphasized the importance of consistently implementing the provisions of these documents, including in the areas of sustainable transport connectivity, trade and economic cooperation, climate resilience, and the mobilization of financial resources.
Separate discussions focused on enhancing the resilience of landlocked developing countries to the impacts of climate change, as well as expanding their access to modern technologies and international climate finance mechanisms. The Turkmen side highlighted the significance of regional initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia. The parties acknowledged the vital coordinating role of the UN Office of the High Representative in ensuring the implementation of the Avaza Programme of Action.
In a meeting with Malle Fofana, Deputy Director-General and Head of the Green Growth Implementation Division at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in sustainable development, the transition to a green economy, and climate change mitigation. Particular attention was paid to attracting green investment, adopting environmentally friendly technologies, improving energy efficiency, and developing renewable energy sources. The Turkmen side briefed the representative on measures currently being implemented within the country and on international environmental initiatives—most notably, the proposal to establish a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia.
Following all three meetings, the parties expressed their interest in further strengthening their cooperation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
