President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the people of Turkmenistan on occasion of the adoption of the Resolution on “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” initiated by Turkmenistan during the 85th plenary meeting of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on May 28, 2019, the State news agency of Turkmenistan reports.
Congratulating the compatriots on the important historical event, the President emphasized that the Resolution was supported by all the UN member states. 21 countries joined the co-sponsorship of the Resolution. Taking the opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to all countries that made the contribution to the adoption of this document.
“In the field of environmental protection, independent Turkmenistan pursues the domestic and foreign policy for the good of humankind and the planet. Supporting the international efforts to achieve sustainable development is a very important component of the foreign policy, implemented by our state”, the message says.
“Our country presides over the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in 2017-2019. The fact that this decision has been taken by the UN General Assembly during the presidency of Turkmenistan over the IFAS is also of great importance. This Resolution will serve to further strengthen the role of the Community of Nations in IFAS, and develop the Fund’s interaction with foreign partners.
“Having joined the dozens of UN Conventions in the field of environmental protection, our country addresses the issues on sustainable development, put forwards new initiatives aimed at ensuring environmental well-being. The adoption of the Resolution “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” also vividly reflects the wide support of the world community for the proposals and initiatives put forward by our neutral state at the international level.
“Turkmenistan actively supports the development of constructive relationships to address such significant issues as improvement of the socio-economic and environmental situation in the Aral Sea coast, water management, protection and improvement of the environment, adaptation to climate change.
“Currently, presiding over the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, our country, has held meetings of the Fund's Board, its Interstate Coordination Water Commission and the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development since 2017. Among the developed documents are the Concept of the Action Programme to Assist the Countries of the Aral Sea Region, the Concept of the United Nations Special Programme for the Countries of the Aral Sea Region. The Summit of the Heads of States Founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea took place at the Avaza National Tourist Zone on August 24, 2018”.
According to the Turkmen leader, the unanimous adoption of the Resolution on “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” initiated by Turkmenistan further enhances the international authority of the Turkmen state. This Resolution underlines the necessity to further improve the work of the Fund.
“The specialized structures and UN organizations, system programmes and funds, as well as international financial institutions are invited to develop cooperation with IFAS, jointly conduct inter-sectoral conferences and forums, systematic consultations”, the address says.
Turkmenistan takes concrete steps to ensure environmental well-being at the national and regional level. A large-scale tree planting programme is being implemented in our country, and the construction of the Altyn Asyr Turkmen Lake continues.
“Independent neutral Turkmenistan will continue apply every effort in the name of strengthening peace on the planet, friendly, fraternal relations, a prosperous and happy life of people”, emphasized the President of Turkmenistan in his address.
