President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved the opening of a representative office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Turkmenistan. Cooperation of Turkmenistan with this organization became one of the topics of discussion at the government meeting on Friday, the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reported today.

As noted, today in Turkmenistan, together with FAO, five specialized regional projects are being implemented.

The head of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry Rashid Meredov made proposals on further strengthening the partnership with this UN structure at the meeting. Thus, based on the Framework Program for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021–2025, it is proposed to prepare an FAO Country Program for 2022–2025.

The Vice – Premier also announced projects that are planned to be implemented jointly with FAO in the field of agriculture, ecology and climate change. In particular, a regional project of this organization is currently being implemented in Central Asia to help reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing production efficiency in the field of small ruminants.

In this regard, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced proposals for Turkmenistan to join this project.

In addition, Turkmenistan intends to cooperate in the field of cotton growing. To this end, it is proposed to jointly implement a project aimed at further developing the industry by improving production technologies and increasing mechanized collection of raw materials, stimulating research work, including through selection and digitalization.

Berdimuhamedov approved the submitted proposals and instructed the Vice - Premier and Foreign Minister to carry out the proper work in accordance with the current national legislation and international law.

Note that today Turkmenistan is a member of 11 UN structural units. Ashgabat hosts the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, the UN Development Program Resident Representative, as well as the offices of the UN Children's Fund, the UN Population Fund, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Health Organization, the International Organization on Migration, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).