Bilateral Meeting with H.E. Rashid Meredov, First Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
23 January 2026, Ashgabat: During his official visit to the country, FAO Director-General, Dr QU Dongyu, met with H.E. Rashid Meredov, First Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between FAO and Turkmenistan at national, regional and global levels. On this occasion, the FAO Director-General and the Minister signed the Host Country Agreement, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between FAO and Turkmenistan and paving the way for the establishment of an FAO Country Representation.
The Minister informed the Director-General that Turkmenistan had achieved self-sufficiency in milk and meat production for domestic consumption and briefed him on the ongoing development of the cotton and textile industry, highlighting its importance for value addition and economic diversification. He underscored that water was a vital strategic issue for the country, noting that Turkmenistan had no internal rivers and relied exclusively on transboundary water resources, making sustainable water management essential for food security and stability.
The Director-General welcomed Turkmenistan’s progress and emphasized that agrifood systems are part of the solution to the climate crisis, stressing the importance of a holistic approach that went beyond production to cover the entire value chain. He reaffirmed FAO’s support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to establish a regional knowledge hub on combating desertification, with relevance for arid and landlocked contexts across the region.
Both sides also discussed Turkmenistan’s regional role and engagement as a landlocked developing country (LLDC). The Minister reiterated Turkmenistan’s willingness to support neighbouring countries, in particular Afghanistan, through cooperation on food security, water management and knowledge sharing. The Director-General welcomed this commitment and reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to continue supporting Turkmenistan in advancing sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience and regional cooperation.
Also Read: CNH to announce 2025 Q4 & Full Year results on February 17
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
