On 23-24 March 2024, the delegation of Turkmenistan led by the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova, participated in the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in Geneva, Swiss Confederation.
As part of the visit on 23 March, the delegation of Turkmenistan attended the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, devoted to the prospects of gender policy and the role of women peacemakers contributing to sustainable peace.
Speaking at the Forum, the head of the delegation of Turkmenistan noted the events being carried out in Turkmenistan in cooperation with the UN and other authoritative international structures, which have a positive impact on the effectiveness of activities to ensure gender equality and empower women.
She highlighted the ongoing realization of the National Action Plan to ensure gender equality in Turkmenistan for the period 2021–2025.
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On the same day, a meeting was organized between the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Tulia Akson.
Thanking for the invitation and the opportunity to take part in such an important event, the Turkmen side especially noted its commitment to further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
In turn, the President of the IPU highly appreciated the activity of women parliamentarians of Turkmenistan in the national parliament and in the international arena.
Taking into account that the President of the IPU is also a representative of the Tanzanian Parliament, interest was also expressed in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan on a bilateral basis.
In this context, the Turkmen side announced its readiness to meet the relevant Tanzanian delegation in Turkmenistan.
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On March 24, 2024, a Turkmen delegation participated in the IPU Assembly meeting. High-level representatives from over 55 countries, including heads of national parliaments, were present.
The delegation highlighted Turkmenistan’s practical initiatives for strengthening global and regional peace and trust, emphasizing the role of inter-parliamentary diplomacy.
They noted the recent adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly, initiated by Turkmenistan, to declare 2025 the “International Year of Peace and Trust.” This demonstrates the international community’s growing support for Turkmenistan’s peace-loving policies.
Furthermore, the delegation announced a planned regional conference co-organized with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly this year. They extended an invitation for active participation in this upcoming event.
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In the afternoon, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong.
During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of such international events, during which participating countries, in particular legislative bodies, are given the opportunity to synchronize their activities in responding to modern challenges.
Regarding the interaction between the IPU and Turkmenistan, interest was expressed in holding joint events. The possibility of representation of Turkmenistan in the governing bodies of the Organization was separately discussed.
In addition to the IPU Assembly meeting, the Turkmen delegation participated in the Forum of Young Parliamentarians. They shared information on Turkmenistan’s youth policy initiatives with the forum participants. ///MFA Turkmenistan, 25 March 2024