On December 1-2, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to the United Arab Emirates to participate in an important international event - the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28).

Theses from the speech by the President of Turkmenistan at COP-28

Participation in COP-28 is a landmark event in Turkmenistan’s promotion of the international strategy on climate change. The head of the Turkmen state emphasized the decisive role of ensuring continuity and consistency in the implementation of climate initiatives.

Having outlined the key milestones of Turkmenistan’s international climate strategy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov officially announced the country’s accession to the Global Methane Commitment.

Ashgabat will continue ongoing cooperation with international organizations and partner countries within the framework of existing projects and programs aimed at meeting the conditions arising from the Global Methane Commitment.

Turkmenistan views the Memorandum of Understanding signed on November 13 between the country's Ministry of Environmental Protection and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as the first step towards the creation of a UN Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia in the country.

Turkmenistan fully supports the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, as well as the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems and Climate Action. The country is also ready to support the initiative to create the COP-28 Coalition for a multi-level partnership to combat climate change.

Meetings of the President of Turkmenistan on the sidelines of the forum

During his visit to the UAE, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a number of meetings, including with the Executive Director of the UN Environment Program and UN Deputy Secretary-General Inger Andersen. The parties discussed issues of cooperation in the environmental sphere and confirmed their readiness to further strengthen interaction.

The head of the Turkmen state also met with the Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Affairs of the Office of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed the state and prospects for further building up the established constructive interstate dialogue, which is being successfully developed on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

Other events within the framework of the conference

On behalf of the Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented with a special gift - verses from the Holy Quran written in gold.

On December 2, the head of the Turkmen state took part in grandiose celebrations dedicated to the National Day of the United Arab Emirates. On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the UAE, colorful performances by representatives of culture and art were organized.

On the sidelines of COP-28, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part in side events dedicated to reforming food systems, mechanisms for financing environmental protection, and intensifying international cooperation in the environmental sphere, taking into account the climate factor.

General information about COP-28

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is taking place in Dubai from November 30 and will end on December 12, 2023. It brings together numerous delegates from around the world, including heads of state and government.

During the Global Forum, the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement will be summed up and further action plans will be outlined that will guide the international community to achieve its goals.

The main topics include adaptation to climate change, overcoming its consequences, and such interrelated topics as ensuring environmental and food security, healthcare, green energy, rational use of natural resources, waste processing and disposal, etc.