His Excellency

To the National Leader of the Turkmen people,

To the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan

Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov

Your Excellency,

I would like to express to you, the Government and the people of Turkmenistan my deep gratitude for the warm welcome and excellent hospitality extended to me and my delegation during my recent visit.

Turkmenistan's initiatives to promote a culture of peace, trust and diplomacy deserve high praise. I welcome Turkmenistan's proposals to expand transport and energy connectivity in Central Asia and beyond, as well as to strengthen regional cooperation in combating the effects of climate change. Turkmenistan’s commitment to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, deserves special attention.

I was very touched by Your Excellency's high assessment of the United Nations' contribution to improving the social protection system in Turkmenistan through the provision of community-based social services. I encourage the Government of Turkmenistan to consider expanding this program.

Let me thank you for your continued support and excellent cooperation with the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the UN country team. I am deeply grateful for the additional building provided for our team in Ashgabat, and I was impressed that the opening ceremony was attended by young SDG Ambassadors.

Let me once again express my deep gratitude for the cordial atmosphere and extraordinary generosity shown during my visit to Ashgabat. I hope that the relationship between the United Nations and Turkmenistan will continue to deepen and strengthen, and I look forward to Turkmenistan playing an important role at the Future Summit in New York in September.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

With warmest regards

Antonio Guterres,

UN Secretary General.