Meeting with the Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization

On 2 July 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov met with Corinne Vargha, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They noted that cooperation with the Organization constitutes an important area of Turkmenistan’s international partnership, contributing to the improvement of national labour legislation, the development of social partnership, and the implementation of international labour standards.

In this context, the importance of implementing the Roadmap for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2026 was emphasized.

It was also underlined that cooperation with the ILO is included in the agenda of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Obligations. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the obligations arising from its membership in the ILO.

The parties also emphasized the importance of expanding project-based cooperation with the specialized agencies of the United Nations, including the ILO, and confirmed their readiness to further develop practical cooperation, including on the issue of opening an ILO office in Turkmenistan.

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

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organization across all areas of mutual interest.