President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan, Ms. Jalpa Ratna. He presented his credentials to the Turkmen leader.

The UNICEF representative expressed gratitude to the Turkmen leader for his time and full support for the development of effective bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that many important joint projects and programs have been implemented in recent years.

The President warmly welcomed Jalpa Ratna to the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land, first of all, congratulated him on his appointment as head of the UN Children's Fund office and wished him great success in his responsible position. As noted, the development of active cooperation with authoritative international organizations, primarily the UN, and its specialized structures is one of the main directions of the foreign policy strategy of neutral Turkmenistan. In this regard, it was emphasized that relations between Turkmenistan and UNICEF are consistent and highly effective. As you know, our country was unanimously elected as a member of the Executive Board of the UN Children's Fund for the period 2024-2026. This is evidence of the fruitful nature of long-term cooperation with UNICEF.

Currently, our cooperation is carried out within the framework of the relevant Program for 2021-2025. This year, 10 annual work plans were signed with ministries and departments of the country. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that these documents, in particular, provide for cooperation in the field of child health, nutrition, early development, protection of life and inclusive education.

During the interview, it was emphasized with satisfaction that the legal framework for the protection of children in Turkmenistan is constantly being improved. The National Action Plan for the implementation of children's rights for 2023-2028 was approved. Discussing the current state and future directions of joint work, the interlocutors emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation in the procurement of vaccines and equipment for immunizing children.

Taking care of children, forming a healthy and comprehensively developed young generation is one of the main goals of our state policy, the Turkmen leader said and emphasized the special importance of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for supporting needy children, created as an initiative of our Hero. It is very important to take care of children and adolescents and give them special attention. During the existence of the foundation, many operations were performed in medical centers on sick children in need of protection. In addition, on behalf of the foundation, ambulances and modern medical equipment are regularly donated to hospitals in regions, districts and cities.

At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in further developing comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund and wished the new UNICEF Representative, Mrs. Jalpa Ratna, good health and success in her work.

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His Majesty,

President of Turkmenistan

Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov

Your Highness!

We have the honor to introduce you to Ms. Jalpa Ratna as the UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. As Head of the UNICEF Office, Ms. Jalpa Ratna has overall responsibility for the work of the UN Children's Fund in Turkmenistan. It will carry out its mandate in close cooperation with national partners.

We are confident that Ms. Jalpa Ratna will use her professional skills and strong personal qualities to successfully perform her assigned role. We also firmly believe that his appointment to this position will further strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNICEF aimed at supporting children, youth and women.

Please accept my assurances of high respect for Your Highness!

Katherine Russell

Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund.