The delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hojamyrat Geldimyradov took part in the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku, reports the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

Key issues of 25-year cooperation within the framework of SPECA were discussed at the meeting. The role of the Program as an effective platform for economic interaction and constant dialogue between participating countries was emphasized. The importance of joint work in such areas as economics, trade, transport, logistics, digital transformation, innovation, energy, water resources management, and environmental protection was noted.

In his speech, the representative of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of the first SPECA Summit for strengthening cooperation in the region, creating conditions for stable development and integration of Central Asia into world processes.

The adoption on November 20 of the UN General Assembly resolution on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of SPECA was also noted. This confirms the important role of the Program as a regional platform for developing mutual understanding and economic ties.

The creation of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund, a financial instrument under the auspices of the UN, is considered important. Turkmenistan supports the approval of the Roadmap for the digitalization of data exchange along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor using UN standards.

Ashgabat is actively developing East-West and North-South transport corridors and advocates sustainable transport. Turkmenistan also supported the SPECA Work Plan for 2024-2025 and will actively cooperate with development partners.

As a result of the Summit, the Baku Declaration and a number of other documents were adopted, including on digitalization and transport in the region.