On July 17, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Turkmenistan, Ms. Jalpa Ratna.

Having presented her credentials and expressing deep gratitude for the time devoted to the meeting, the UNICEF representative thanked the head of state for the warm welcome and all possible assistance in the development of established constructive bilateral cooperation, within the framework of which many important joint projects and programs have been implemented in recent years.

Having warmly welcomed Jalpa Ratna to the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land, the President of the country first of all congratulated her on her appointment as head of the UN Children's Fund office in Turkmenistan and wished her great success in her work in this responsible position.

As emphasized, active cooperation with authoritative international organizations, primarily with the Community of Nations and its specialized structures, is one of the main directions of the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan.

In this regard, the consistent and highly effective nature of the established relations between Turkmenistan and UNICEF was especially noted. As you know, our state was unanimously elected as a member of the UNICEF Executive Board for 2024–2026, which is proof of the effectiveness of the country’s long-term interaction with the Children’s Fund.

Currently, our partnership is carried out within the framework of the UNICEF country program for Turkmenistan for 2021–2025. This year, ten documents were signed with the ministries and departments of our country, including a work plan in the field of child health, nutrition, early development, social security and inclusive education,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

During the conversation, it was noted with satisfaction that the legislative framework in the field of child protection is constantly being improved in Turkmenistan. Thus, the National Action Plan for the implementation of children’s rights for 2023–2028 was approved.

Discussing the current state and priority areas for further joint activities, the interlocutors especially emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation in the field of procurement of vaccines and equipment for immunizing children.

“Caring for children, the formation of a healthy and broad-minded young generation is one of the main goals of our state policy,” the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, noting the great importance of the Charitable Fund for helping children in need of care named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero -Arkadaga.

“It is very important to take care of children and adolescents and surround them with special attention,” said the President of the country, noting with satisfaction that during the existence of the Foundation, many operations were performed in medical centers on sick children in need of care. In addition, ambulances and modern medical equipment are regularly donated to hospitals in velayats, etraps and cities on behalf of the Foundation.

At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in further continuing a comprehensive partnership with the UN Children’s Fund, wishing the head of the UNICEF Ashgabat office, Ms. Jalpa Ratna, good health and success in her work.

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His Excellency

Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov,

To the President of Turkmenistan

Your Excellency,

We have the honor to introduce you to Ms. Jalpa Ratna as the Head of the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan.

Ms. Jalpa Ratna will have overall responsibility for UNICEF activities in Turkmenistan, fulfilling her responsibilities in close cooperation with national partners.

We express confidence that Ms. Jalpa Ratna will demonstrate all her professional and personal qualities that have distinguished her activities to date, for successful work as the head of the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan. We are also confident that the appointment of Ms. Jalpa Ratna will contribute to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNICEF aimed at supporting children, youth and women.

Your Excellency, please accept my assurances of the highest respect for you.

Katherine Russell

Executive Director of UNICEF.