On 20 April 2026, the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Mr. Vepa Hajiyev presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres.
Following the ceremony, a brief exchange of views took place, during which greetings from the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people were conveyed to the Secretary-General. In turn, the Secretary-General requested that his appreciation and respect be conveyed to the leadership of Turkmenistan for its continued support for the activities of the United Nations and for its contribution to advancing mutually beneficial strategic cooperation.
The discussion also addressed key aspects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations system, including the promotion of regional and international peace and security, the advancement of preventive diplomacy and mediation, and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of transport, energy and environmental protection.
The Secretary-General underscored the important role of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality as a factor contributing to regional stability, especially in a region situated at the crossroads of major geopolitical and geoeconomic processes. In this context, the significance of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, based in Ashgabat, was highlighted.
Appreciation was also expressed for Turkmenistan’s practical contribution to the socio-economic recovery and development of Afghanistan, including through its support for the country’s integration into major regional transport and energy initiatives.
The Secretary-General recalled the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August 2025 in the Awaza National Tourist Zone, and commended the traditional hospitality extended by the leadership of Turkmenistan, as well as the adoption of the Avaza Programme of Action for the Decade.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the readiness of the United Nations Secretariat to further strengthen close and constructive cooperation with Turkmenistan.
The ceremony was held in a cordial atmosphere.