On 16 February, the ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’ opened at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The forum was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

The platform aims to coordinate the efforts of countries in the field of collective security and sustainable development of health systems.

The event was attended by representatives of the state authorities of Turkmenistan, the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the WHO, as well as relevant departments of Central Asian countries and Armenia.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted that the Dialogue is taking place during Turkmenistan's presidency of the CIS, which has been declared the Year of Health in the Commonwealth.

Participants emphasised the importance of holding the forum in Ashgabat and the role of Turkmenistan in the development of regional cooperation and interaction with the WHO.

Following the discussions, it was noted that the format of the Dialogue will become a platform for the exchange of experience, strengthening trust and developing partnerships between the CIS countries, the WHO European Region and international organisations.