On 2 July, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Corinne Vargha, Director of the Department of International Labour Standards at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They noted the importance of implementing the Roadmap for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2026, as well as cooperation in the areas of improving labour legislation, developing social partnership and implementing international labour standards.

It was emphasised that matters relating to cooperation with the ILO form part of the agenda of the Interdepartmental Commission for Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the obligations arising from its membership of the ILO was reaffirmed.

The meeting participants also discussed expanding project-based cooperation with specialised UN agencies, including the ILO, and considered the possibility of opening an ILO office in Turkmenistan.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan and the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), aimed at developing social dialogue and promoting international labour standards.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing their partnership in areas of mutual interest.