Meetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the heads of International and regional organizations on the sidelines of COP31

On 12 November 2026, within the framework of his participation in the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), held in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a series of meetings with the heads of international and regional organizations.

During the meeting with Salim Muhammad Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the sides discussed the current state and prospects for developing cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Particular attention was paid to expanding practical engagement with the Organization in light of Turkmenistan's acquisition of observer status in ICESCO in 2026, which opens up new opportunities for the implementation of joint projects and initiatives.

In the context of the ongoing climate conference, the sides exchanged views on strengthening international cooperation on climate change, advancing scientific research, introducing modern environmental technologies and enhancing the capacity of specialists.

The importance of further developing partnership in the areas of cultural heritage preservation, education and science, as well as exchanging experience and best practices, was also emphasized.

Following the meeting, the sides expressed their interest in further strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and ICESCO in areas of mutual interest.

* * *

During the meeting with Roland Mollerus, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the outcome documents of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held on 5–8 August 2025 in the National Tourist Zone of Avaza.

In particular, the sides exchanged views on the implementation of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034, which set out the key priorities for international cooperation in support of the sustainable development of this group of countries.

The Turkmen side emphasized the importance of the consistent implementation of the provisions of these documents, including in the areas of sustainable transport connectivity, expanding trade and economic cooperation, strengthening climate resilience and mobilizing financial resources.

In the context of the ongoing climate conference, particular attention was given to 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.

In this regard, the Turkmen side highlighted the importance of advancing regional initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies for Central Asia, aimed at strengthening scientific and technological cooperation and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The sides also noted the important coordinating role of the Office of the High Representative in ensuring the effective implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action, including through engagement with Member States, United Nations system entities and international development partners.

Following the meeting, mutual interest was reaffirmed in further strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Office of the High Representative with a view to ensuring the practical implementation of the outcomes of the Awaza Conference and promoting the interests of landlocked developing countries.

* * *

During the meeting with Malle Fofana, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Green Growth Programme Delivery Directorate of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the areas of sustainable development, the transition to a green economy and addressing climate change.

Particular attention was paid to attracting green investments, introducing modern environmentally friendly technologies, improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources.

The Turkmen side briefed the interlocutor on the measures being implemented in the country and its international initiatives in the fields of environmental protection and the climate agenda. In particular, the initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies for Central Asia was highlighted. The initiative is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, developing technological capacity and promoting practical solutions for climate change adaptation.

Following the meeting, the sides expressed their interest in further developing constructive dialogue and exploring prospects for practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.