Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative Presents Credentials to UN Secretary-General
New York, The Gulf Observer: The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, formally presented his credentials to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on April 20, 2026, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the global body.
During the credential presentation ceremony, a brief meeting was held in which warm greetings from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, were conveyed to the UN chief.
In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his respect and appreciation for Turkmenistan’s leadership, acknowledging the country’s continued support for the activities of the United Nations and its role in promoting strategic partnership.
The discussions focused on key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UN institutions, including strengthening peace and security, advancing preventive diplomacy and mediation mechanisms, and promoting sustainable development across transport, energy, and environmental sectors.
The Secretary-General underscored the significance of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality, describing it as a strong foundation for regional stability at a time of complex geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics. He also highlighted the important role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, based in Ashgabat, in fostering dialogue and conflict prevention across the region.
Guterres further commended Turkmenistan for its practical contributions to the socio-economic recovery and development of Afghanistan, particularly its efforts to integrate the country into major regional transport and energy initiatives.
Recalling the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in August 2025 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, the Secretary-General praised the hospitality of Turkmenistan’s leadership and emphasized the importance of the Avaza Programme of Action for the coming decade.
Reaffirming Turkmenistan’s growing role on the international stage, Guterres highlighted the country’s contribution to strengthening the UN’s relevance amid increasing global instability and reiterated the Secretariat’s readiness to further expand close and constructive cooperation with Ashgabat.
