On 21 January 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu. The meeting focused on the modernization of the agro-industrial complex and global initiatives aimed at ensuring environmental well-being.
Welcoming the head of the FAO, the Head of State emphasized that cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies remains a priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. President Berdimuhamedov highlighted the particular significance of the Regional Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change, which is currently being held in Ashgabat.
The annual hosting of this forum in Turkmenistan is the result of an active dialogue with the FAO and serves as a clear testament to the country’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the conversation, it was noted that Turkmenistan is making a significant contribution to the sustainable management of natural resources. The development of the national agro-industrial complex is currently focused on the rational use of land and water resources; digitalization of production to improve the quality and increase the volume of agricultural products; implementation of “Green Climate” approaches and the “One Health” concept.
The President and the Director-General of the FAO also discussed the current project portfolio. It was emphasized that, with the organization’s support, Turkmenistan has already successfully implemented programs to increase agricultural productivity, improve land-use systems, and protect agricultural crops at both national and regional levels.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to further expand its cooperation with the FAO.
FAO to Open Office in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu on 21 Jan 2026.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the high importance that Turkmenistan attaches to cooperation with FAO. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to further strengthen and expand practical collaboration with the organization, including through the implementation of joint programmes and projects.
The fruitful cooperation achieved in 2025 was highlighted, as well as the significance of establishing an FAO Representation in Turkmenistan as an important step toward deepening bilateral ties.
The parties underscored the value of holding joint regional conferences on food security in the context of climate change. Such events were described as an effective platform for dialogue and coordination of efforts among countries in the region.
Special attention was given to issues of sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate change. In this regard, the Turkmen side drew attention to its key initiatives: the establishment of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries and a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia.
The interlocutors also discussed the development of a new Country Programming Framework for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO for the period 2026–2030.
Following the discussions, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the establishment of an FAO Representation in Turkmenistan and the provision of technical assistance. ///nCa, 22 January 2026