Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov during the online cabinet meeting hosted by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Friday briefed on the prepared proposals to further integrate Turkmenistan in modern system of world economic relations, including accessing the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Among the proposals are development of the Work Plan for systematic cooperation with the WTO, activation of steps to sign the basic document for joining the organization as its full member, the country’s official media reports.
The Foreign Minister also voiced a proposal to create a special structural unit, study the issue of appointing a special representative of Turkmenistan to the WTO, send a delegation of the country to Geneva, housing the headquarters of the organization, to discuss cooperation issues in March.
Rashid Meredov also briefed on the meeting with the WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala held on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE, on February 13.
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the Government Commission to study matters related to Turkmenistan's WTO accession, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiyev.
The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant ministries and departments of the country.The meeting participants reviewed the results of the Government Commission's work in 2022 and outlined specific steps for 2023.
Turkmenistan’s official application to join the WTO was formally received on November 24, 2021. In February 2022, Turkmenistan was granted the status of an acceding country (active observer) to the WTO.