On 13 March, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Biljana Milošević, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s regional office for Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The parties discussed topical issues of humanitarian cooperation and prospects for further interaction. The Turkmen side emphasised the country’s commitment to its status of permanent neutrality, the strengthening of peace and the development of constructive international cooperation, paying particular attention to the humanitarian aspects of regional security and the protection of the civilian population.

It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently adheres to the norms of international humanitarian law and upholds the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in humanitarian activities. Ashgabat also highly commended the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in providing assistance to people in difficult humanitarian situations and promoting international humanitarian law.

The parties exchanged views on the implementation of the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and also discussed monitoring the humanitarian situation in the region and opportunities for expanding cooperation, including the exchange of experience, expert consultations and joint training activities. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the capacity of national bodies involved in humanitarian response.