A SIDE EVENT OF THE DELEGATION OF TURKMENISTAN ON THE THEME: “STRENGTHENING REGIONAL CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA TO PREVENT DRUG TRAFFICKING IN NEW TRADE AND TRANSIT CORRIDORS”

On March 5, 2020, on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and Crime in Vienna, at the initiative of the delegation of Turkmenistan, a parallel event was held on the theme of “Strengthening regional cross-border cooperation in Central Asia to prevent drug trafficking in new trade and transit corridors ".

This event was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Organized Crime (UNODC) and the representation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event was attended by the representatives and experts of more than 20 UN member countries and international organizations. Ms. Miwa Kato, UNODC's Director for Global Operations, and Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, made their statements at the opening ceremony. Representatives of delegations from Central Asian countries also spoke at the opening ceremony.

The participants highly appreciated the contribution of Turkmenistan to the active promotion of international and regional cooperation in terms of fight against drug trafficking, as part of our country's participation in joint projects and programs implemented in the Central Asian region through the UN, CARICC, OSCE and other international structures.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan informed the participants about the measures taken by the Government of Turkmenistan in the fight against international terrorism, transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.

Turkmenistan, being a responsible participant in the system of international relations, actively participates in the activities of the world community to counter modern challenges and threats and, in this regard, attaches great importance to the development of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

In this context, the election of Turkmenistan as a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 2020-2023 is another clear indication of the universal recognition of Turkmenistan’s policies aimed at combating drug trafficking.