Turkmenistan Mejlis Chairperson, ILO Regional Director Discuss Expanding Cooperation
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with Peter van Rooij on March 11, 2026, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organization.
During the meeting, the participants highlighted the international importance of the humanitarian domestic and foreign policy pursued by permanently neutral Turkmenistan, as well as the country’s initiatives within the framework of the United Nations.
The Turkmen side emphasized that strengthening international law, improving the international legal framework, and increasing the effectiveness of implementing conventions, treaties, agreements, and other multilateral documents are key priorities for the country.
Both sides discussed ways to further enhance cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations system, including its specialized agencies, particularly the International Labour Organization, through a multilateral partnership.
The discussions also covered the positive outcomes achieved under the Roadmap for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2024–2025, as well as planned activities under the new Roadmap for 2026.
Turkmen representatives informed the ILO delegation about ongoing efforts to modernize national legislation related to human rights, labour, child protection, and social welfare. These reforms involve incorporating norms derived from international treaties to which Turkmenistan is a party, as well as applying accumulated experience and internationally recognized standards.
Peter van Rooij commended the progress achieved in Turkmenistan in these areas and shared his vision for further strengthening cooperation between the country and the International Labour Organization in the near future.
