During the briefing in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on August 27, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Centre of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalia Gherman highlighted that the UN and the RCPDCA give high appraisal to the Summit of the Heads of State Founders of the International Fund for Saving of Aral Sea in Avaza, which has confirmed key role of the IFAS as a platform for interstate cooperation in recovery after the Aral tragedy.
Natalia Gherman has mentioned historical significance of this high-level meeting, which was held owing to personal involvement of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.Joint Communique of the Council of the Heads of state founders of the IFAS, which reflects common political will of the sides and confirming their willingness to continue constructive partnership and entering new levels, were important results of the Summit.
It was highlighted that the Regional Centre of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia is long and reliable partner of the IFAS in water and ecological range of problems.The RCPDCA supports certain proposals of Turkmen side on systematic approach to regional cooperation based on legal mechanism that takes into account the interests of all countries of the region in integrated management of water resources as well as is willing to be actively involved in promotion of the water diplomacy’ initiative.
Appropriateness of the idea of Turkmen leader about separation of the Aral problems to separate direction of work with the United Nations has been highlighted.It will enhance the improvement of long-term cooperation between the state founders of the Fund and the UN.
Having confirmed the willingness of the Regional Centre to continue regular contacts with the IFAS and to provide further support under existing direction of cooperation, the Head of the RCPDCA expressed the confidence that the outcomes of the Summit and coordinated activity on their implementation would be very important for development of reginal cooperation.