On June 21, 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a roundtable titled "United Nations-Central Asia: historical, economic and social perspectives of enhancing regional integration". The round table was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Office of UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan.
Representatives of various ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, the Academy of Sciences, heads of a number of higher educational institutions of the country, representatives of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, the National Center of Trade Unions, the Central Council of the Union of Women of Turkmenistan, heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states and missions of international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan as well as representatives of mass-media took part in the event.
During the round-table discussion, the development of regional cooperation between Central Asian countries and the UN was discussed, including in the context of implementing the goals of sustainable development, the strategic importance of Turkmenistan's international initiatives for strengthening peace and ensuring sustainable development, as well as the role of infrastructure projects for enhancing regional integration and economic development of the Central Asian region. An interested exchange of views took place on the issues raised in the survey. The participants noted the positive role of Turkmenistan's neutral status in the modern history of the state. In the context of bilateral and multilateral cooperation the participants noted the commitment to further development of cooperation with Turkmenistan.
Speakers stressed the relevance of the fact that the round table is held immediately after the first successful visit of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Turkmenistan, and sums up its results. The speeches also emphasized the legacy of the Great Silk Road for expanding regional integration in Central Asia and noted the strategic importance of Turkmenistan's international initiatives to ensure sustainable development. It was stated that the regional integration orientation of the foreign policy of the respected President of Turkmenistan, aimed at the revival of the routes of the ancient Silk Road by modern communication and logistical means, serves the humane ideals of humanity, the dialogue between peoples and cultures, and the mutual enrichment of intercivilizational ties.
