Your Excellency Mr. Chairman,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I have the honor to convey warm greeting and wishes of peace and prosperity to the peoples of your countries from the President of Turkmenistan His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

I congratulate Mr. Csaba Kőrösi on his election to the presidency of the 77^th session of the UN General Assembly and wish him success in this important and responsible position.

I express my gratitude to the distinguished Mr. Abdullah Shahid, Chairman of the 76^th session, for his effective work in this post.

Dear participants,

The current session of the United Nations General Assembly is considered by Turkmenistan from the view of the need to urgently use the potential of the world community, the levers of constructive influence of the UN on world processes, the search for channels of dialogue as the only acceptable way to resolve conflicts and tensions, the creation of prerequisites for the development of responsible joint approaches to the problems of post-pandemic development, the restoration of economic and humanitarian ties.

For Turkmenistan, the new political year marks an important anniversary date – the 30^th anniversary of its membership in the United Nations. Based on the solid base of relations with this universal organization built over the years of independence and confirming its policy of strategic partnership with the UN, the conviction that there is no alternative to this only world structure with universal legitimacy, Turkmenistan will continue its efforts to increase and strengthen its role in the world, to establish recognized international legal norms and the UN Charter as the political basis of interstate relations.

The global security architecture created within the framework of our Organization is now undergoing serious challenges. We are witnessing complex processes that impede multilateral cooperation, including in such important areas as security and stability.

To overcome current difficulties in international relations, Turkmenistan considers it necessary to strengthen the existing ones and think about creating new dialogue platforms for international communication and negotiations on critical issues on the global agenda.

The restoration of trust, the culture of respectful dialogue is now acquiring universal significance as one of the key conditions for a responsible, non-confrontational approach, the search for opportunities for mutual understanding and the observance of a balance of interests when considering complex issues.

Further promoting the philosophy of trust-based dialogue in international relations, Turkmenistan intends to propose to the UN General Assembly to consider the draft resolution "Dialogue is a guarantee of peace".  We are convinced that the adoption of such a document will confirm the principled and unambiguous commitment of all UN Member States to a peaceful, negotiated way to resolve conflict situations, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Reinforcing our efforts in this direction, we propose that the international community declare 2025 the "Year of Peace and Trust", based on the provisions of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly adopted earlier at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

Today, the role of peacekeeping instruments in the arsenal of the international community is objectively increasing. In particular, we are noting again the potential of neutrality, its conceptual foundations for strengthening universal stability and security.

Based on the recognition by the UN General Assembly of neutrality as a factor in strengthening global peace and security, the adopted resolution on the proclamation of December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, Turkmenistan will continue to work actively with partners to expand the membership of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for peace, security and sustainable development.

The course of the development of global processes in the field of security dictates the need for strengthening the mechanisms of regional cooperation. On July 28 of this year, the UN General Assembly, by its resolution, proclaimed Central Asia a Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation. We are grateful to the world community for the decision taken, which creates conditions on a strategically important part of the political map of the world for active work to strengthen international security, prevent and resolve conflicts, and build strong and effective regional institutions in this regard.

As the host country of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Turkmenistan stands for full support to its work, which has proved its effectiveness.

Taking into account that December 2022 marks the 15^th anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Center, we intend to submit to the General Assembly a draft resolution on the role of the Center, reflecting in this document the significant events of recent years and consolidating the mechanisms of regional interaction built on its basis.

We are particularly concerned about the currently growing threats to global food security, which are rapidly spreading to an increasing number of countries and entire regions. In these circumstances, urgent efforts of the world community and effective measures to overcome the current situation are required.

In order to maintain the stability of the global food market, jointly search for solutions to complicated problems of providing food to the most vulnerable countries, as well as supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in this direction, we propose to hold an International Forum on Food Security in Turkmenistan.

In the current conditions, the full implementation of the agreements reached on the Sustainable Development Goals is of particular importance. In this regard, supporting multilateral tools for monitoring the achievement of the SDGs, Turkmenistan will present the Second Voluntary National Review on the SDGs implementation during the High-Level Political Forum in 2023.

At present, the solution to sustainable development issues largely depends on the level of international cooperation in such critical areas as transport and energy.

Continuing to promote multilateral transport cooperation, Turkmenistan during the current session intends to summarize the results of the Global Conferences on Sustainable Transport held in 2016 and 2021, other high-level transport forums convened in recent years, including the Ministerial Transport Conference for Landlocked Countries organized in Turkmenistan on August 15-16 of this year, and prepare proposals for the development of a project the concept of the United Nations Special Interregional Programme for Transport Development.

At the current session, Turkmenistan also looks forward to the continuation of a broad dialogue on the issue of energy security. In this context, we consider it necessary, based on the provisions of the resolutions of the UN General Assembly on the reliable and stable energy supplies to world markets, adopted at the initiative of our country, to accelerate work on the implementation of the proposals submitted earlier by Turkmenistan on the establishment of an open-ended international expert group to develop a modern UN international legal toolkit for regulating sustainable and reliable energy transit.

Mr. Chairman,

In Central Asia, for objective reasons, climate change and water issues are the most important, and in some cases, determining factors in the development of regional processes, having a significant impact on the overall situation, the implementation of socio-economic development programmes, and the solution of serious environmental issues.

Based on the positions of Turkmenistan on adaptation and mitigation of climate change, presented in November 2021 at the 26^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow, as well as practically considered during multilateral consultations within the framework of the Climate Conference in Bonn in June this year, Turkmenistan is preparing for the establishment in Ashgabat  Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asian Countries.

At the same time, noting the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Turkmenistan in May 2022 within the framework of the implementation of obligations under the Paris Agreement, Turkmenistan intends to intensify efforts to implement the goals outlined in this document, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the Global Methane Pledge.

We will persistently and purposefully strive to single out the Aral Sea issue as a separate area of the UN's activities. To this end, in May 2023, we intend to resume negotiations on the draft resolution of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on the establishment of the UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin, which will be based on the provisions of the UN General Assembly resolutions "On cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)", adopted in 2018 and 2019.

Excellencies

The impact of the pandemic requires us to continue our coordinated efforts to address the identified vulnerabilities of global and national health systems. Turkmenistan will continue to support the joint activities of the world community to combat this new type of coronavirus infection, to establish tools for health diplomacy. Underlining the key role of the World Health Organization in developing consolidated responses to common challenges, we support the developed global One Health concept and will promote it within the framework of the Roadmap for Health and Well-being in Central Asia until 2025.

Distinguished participants,

With all the diversity of tasks facing each of our countries, we are united by common hopes, concerns and threats. Turkmenistan, together with its partners, is ready to look for new ways to overcome the challenges faced by mankind. Based on strategic cooperation with the United Nations, my country will make every effort to achieve these goals.

Thank you.

Prime Minister’s speech at the General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

"On behalf of the Georgian people, it is an honor to speak to you again at the United Nations General Assembly. As we gather for this 77th Session, we reflect on our founding principles and the progress we have made as an international community since the creation of the United Nations. At the first Session in 1946, the founders vowed to unite to maintain global peace and security.

While we have made significant advances, we must acknowledge the ongoing acts of aggression against members of this body – the very same types of acts that led to the establishment of the United Nations after World War II.

In 2008, my country was attacked by Russia resulting in the ongoing occupation of 20 percent of our territory. At the time, the international community recognized this aggression. But, as we have learned, the world’s democracies must act as one to ensure that freedom and peace prevail.

The UN was founded to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is our duty. It is our promise.

Today, I have the privilege of representing Georgia, a strong, proud, freedom-loving nation that has preserved its sacred heritage and history, while also evolving and adapting to the geopolitical realities of 21st century.

Thirty years ago, Georgia became part of the United Nations family. Now more than ever we are committed to protecting our shared values in our region and worldwide. 

We seek all opportunities for collaboration with our international partners to advance the cause of peace. In that regard, the Geneva International Discussions are particularly crucial to bring the Russian Federation to the table to address the implementation of the EU-mediated 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. Georgia appreciates the international community’s support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Though 20% of my country is still occupied by Russia, we do not let this difficult challenge define us. We continue to punch above our weight and contribute to the international community. 

Since our government came to power in 2012, we have implemented an ambitious reform agenda that brought us closer to our key international partners, the EU, United States, NATO, and the United Nations. For the first time since we regained independence, Georgia has enjoyed an unprecedented decade of peace, prosperity, and stability.  

We are continuously working on Georgia’s global positioning and are already realizing the rewards. According to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Georgia is 1st in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Open Budget Index ranked Georgia as 1st in the world in terms of budget transparency; and according to the Fraser Institute Economic Freedom of the World 2021, Georgia is among the top 5 economies, along with Singapore and Switzerland. NUMBEO named Georgia one of the world’s safest countries, ranking 14th globally.

Our work to align more closely with the US and Europe goes hand and hand with our commitment to continued democratic transformation. Increased Euro-Atlantic and European integration is our way of returning to the family of European nations, with whom we share history, culture, and most importantly, values.

We are continuing our unequivocal path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Our commitment to these goals is backed up by actions and real results, including an Association Agreement, DCFTA, and visa-free travel with the EU".

Georgia’s delegation, led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, attended the opening of the General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The participants of the opening session of the General Debate were addressed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the United Nations General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, and other leaders.

The Head of Georgian Government will address the participants of the 77th General Assembly Session on September 22.

Led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Delegation consists of Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Minister of Education and Science Mikheil Chkhenkeli, and Head of the Government Administration Revaz Javelidze.

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid.

According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, the Speaker hailed the successful upheld of the 76th session by Mr. Shahid and expressed the supportive position of Georgia to the priorities established within the period of his presidency.

The Speaker overviewed the aspects of productive cooperation with the UN Offices in Georgia and underlined the importance of close links. Providing the global challenges, the parties highlighted the importance of the support of multilateral diplomacy, rules-based international order and active participation of women in politics. The parties discussed the grave situation in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Mr. Papuashvili thanked the Maldivian politician for the support of the territorial integrity of Georgia and the non-recognition policy by the Maldives and the UN General Assembly.

On March 28, 2022, a briefing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, timed to coincide with the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution “Integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development” and the election of Turkmenistan as a member of the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the period 2022–2028 years.

The briefing was attended by the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, heads of diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations working in Turkmenistan, representatives of local media.

The speeches of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Natalia Gherman, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, the Head of the Country Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Turkmenistan Yegor Zaitsev and others were heard.

During his speech, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov emphasized that the political events that have recently taken place in the country are of great importance, both in terms of the internal development of the state and society, and the development of international activities of Turkmenistan.

The Minister emphasized the special importance of adopting by the beginning of 2022 of 17 resolutions of the UN General Assembly, the author of which was Turkmenistan, of which 16 resolutions were adopted in the last 15 years. At the same time, Turkmenistan continues to carry out active international activities within the framework of the institutions of the United Nations system, being currently a member of 11 councils, commissions and committees of the UN, R. Meredov added.

As is known, 62 states co-sponsored the current Resolution, which calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the development of environmentally friendly modes of transport and the improvement of road safety.

In this regard, the Minister stated that Turkmenistan is ready to hold an International Conference in 2022 on the role of cycling in ensuring the sustainability and environmental friendliness of urban transport systems.

It was noted that partnership with the UN allows Turkmenistan to realize its neutral status as an important factor of regional stability and security. In this context, R. Meredov, noting the importance of the foreign policy success of Turkmenistan - the country's election as a member of the UN Commission on International Trade Law for the period of 2022-2028, stressed that this is the result of the systematic implementation of the goals and objectives outlined in the "Program for the development of foreign economic activity of Turkmenistan for 2020 -2025" and "Foreign trade strategy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2030".

As noted during the speeches, the election of Turkmenistan to the UN Commission on International Trade Law is the result of purposeful work to implement the strategic course of our country for full integration into international economic and trade relations.

In addition, the participants of the briefing were shown a video film about the foreign policy initiatives of Turkmenistan.

During the briefing, the participants of the event received not only detailed information on the latest events in the international life of the country, presented by the speakers, but also the opportunity to ask their questions.

On 20 April 2021, during the consecutive session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Turkmenistan was elected to the membership of the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) for 2020-2024.

UN-Women is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly established in 2010 with the aim of rising the efficiency of the efforts of the UN System agencies working on the issues of gender equality and the expansion of the rights and opportunities of women.  The given entity stands as the leading body coordinating the work of the UN System on the provision of gender equality.      

The Executive Board of UN-Women carries out the main governing functions and is composed of 51 Members who are elected by the UN Economic and Social Council for the period of three years.

The given resolution is coherent with the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan on the involvement of women into the socio-political, economic, social and cultural life of the country. One of the significant national documents on the enhancement of the status of women is the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025.     

On September 22, 2020, the high-level week of the 75th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly began. On the same day, a transmission of the speech of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took place.

Noting that the current session of the UN General Assembly is being held in a difficult period, the Head of Turkmenistan called for an objective look at the general international situation, shattered by the neglect of international law, military and political rivalry, which, unfortunately, is observed in the world today.

To resolve this situation, the Head of State noted “that it is necessary to consolidate efforts aimed at strengthening the role of international law, multilateral legal instruments of the existing system of global security, strict observance by all countries of generally recognized norms arising from the UN Charter. This is the only way to maintain stability and predictability in world politics, to reduce the risks of conflicts. "

The President of Turkmenistan emphasized that in order to achieve these goals, it is necessary to restore trust in international politics, to establish a culture of respectful dialogue.

In this regard, the important role of the policy of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan was underlined.  As a matter of fact, its keystones contain the principles of humanism and peaceful approach to the resolution of global challenges and response to the threats of modern times.  As is known, this year Turkmenistan honors the 25^th anniversary since obtaining the given status.  The model of positive neutrality developed by Turkmenistan calls not for impartiality, but unity by means of political-diplomatic tools.  This concept is vividly presented in the project of the resolution initiated by Turkmenistan entitled “the Role and Significance of the Neutrality Policy in Sustaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development,” the presentation of which was held in January of current year in the UN headquarters.  The draft of the resolution is under consideration.  

Then, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov added that “the UN General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, adopted a resolution declaring 2021 the Year of International Peace and Confidence. In the light of the implementation of the provisions of this document, Turkmenistan sets forth the initiative to hold an International Forum of Peace and Trust next year. The leader of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that this Forum will give an important impetus to the promotion of peace, stability and will contribute to the strengthening of international cooperation.

In this context, the important role of preventive diplomacy was noted, which is consonant with the UN principles. Noting that the policy of Neutrality is aimed at ensuring regional peace, security and development, the President of Turkmenistan stressed that within the framework of the upcoming session, the Turkmen side intends to propose to the General Assembly to consider the draft resolution “The Role of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.”

The Head of State noted that the achievement of peace, security and progress in the Central Asian region depends on the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. “The position of Turkmenistan here is principled and unchanged: there is no alternative to the negotiation process,” the President noted. In this regard, it was noted that Turkmenistan is ready to assist in the advancement of this process, in particular, by creating the necessary political and organizational conditions on its territory.

Along with political stabilization, the economic and social reconstruction of Afghanistan is also important. In this regard, Turkmenistan stands for the implementation of large infrastructure projects with Afghan participation, primarily in such important areas as energy, transport and communications. Turkmenistan has already initiated a number of projects in this direction, in particular the construction of a gas pipeline along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India route, railway branches, and fiber-optic communication lines reaching the territory of Afghanistan.

The President of Turkmenistan stressed that Turkmenistan firmly believes in the future of the UN, will continue to strengthen and build up strategic partnership with this Organization for the benefit of all mankind.

On September 22, 2020, the high-level week of the 75th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly began, during which video speeches of the heads of states and governments will be broadcasted. On the same day, one of the first, the broadcast of the speech of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took place.

In his speech, the Head of State outlined in detail the position of Turkmenistan on key aspects of the international agenda, put forward a number of significant initiatives of a political, socio-economic and humanitarian nature.

At the beginning of his speech, the President of Turkmenistan expressed words of deep empathy in connection with the loss of numerous inhabitants of the planet who did not survive the blow of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov dwelled on the measures taken in Turkmenistan, which were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and in close cooperation with the relevant UN departments to counter this threat.

The Head of State noted that for a speedy victory over the pandemic, close professional coordination and unification of efforts of scientific and medical communities around the world are necessary. Having voiced the importance of multilateral cooperation on the problem of dangerous viral diseases, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of fully launching channels of scientific diplomacy. He added that under the auspices of WHO, it is advisable to establish a Special Program of the World Health Organization to study the genome of coronavirus, develop a multilateral mechanism to combat pneumonia, and create a Methodological Center for the Treatment and Prevention of Acute Diseases.

On September 3, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution entitled “Status of Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia”. As Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia noted, this year the document had unprecedented support – has been supported by 84 member states, only 13 opposed. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili expressed her gratitude to all 84 countries that have stood next to Georgia this year.

It is noteworthy that our neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey have once again expressed support for Georgia, joining the global call to ensure the observance of the rights of the Georgian population expelled from Abkhazia and Samachablo. With Russia's position, everything is clear. But Armenia acted in a very non-trivial way – it did not take part in the voting. It is difficult to imagine that the immediate neighbor of our country, who assures of friendship in the course of bilateral contacts, is poorly informed about the state of affairs of internally displaced persons in Georgia. However, Yerevan has avoided expressing a clear position on this issue.

As reported by the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, on June 29, 2020, our country was elected as Vice-Chair of the upcoming 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

Thus, the close partnership of Turkmenistan with the UN has received a new impetus, primarily in the context of the implementation of important international initiatives put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Our country is elected as Vice-Chair of the session of the United Nations General Assembly for the sixth time; earlier, Turkmenistan participated in the 58th, 62nd, 64th and 68th and 71st sessions.

The election of Turkmenistan as Vice-Chair of the upcoming 75th session of the UN General Assembly vividly testifies to the high international prestige of our country, the constructiveness of the foreign policy pursued by the President of Turkmenistan, based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, good neighborliness and broad international cooperation in common interests.

Among the priority tasks as a neutral state, Turkmenistan specifies the establishment of the culture of dialogue in resolving issues and contradictions. On September 12, 2019, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution, initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, on declaring 2021 the International Year of Peace and Trust.

In this context, our country will develop and submit for consideration by the UN a number of proposals for the International Year of Peace and Trust with the most practical benefit to ensure peace and security.

The election of Turkmenistan as Vice-Chair of the upcoming 75th session of the UN General Assembly marks a new important chapter in the history of relations between our country and the United Nations.

At the same time, this is a significant success of the multifaceted diplomacy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which meets both the fundamental national interests and the tasks of ensuring universal peace, security, and sustainable development.

 The state news agency of Turkmenistan