On 12 November in Antalya, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, met with the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), Salem Mohammed al-Malik. The negotiations took place on the sidelines of the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Particular attention was paid to expanding practical cooperation in light of Turkmenistan’s acquisition of observer state status within ICESCO in 2026. This new status creates additional opportunities for the implementation of joint projects and initiatives.

During the negotiations, issues relating to international cooperation in combating climate change, the development of scientific research, the introduction of environmental technologies and the enhancement of professionals’ skills were also discussed.

The parties emphasised the importance of partnership in the fields of cultural heritage preservation, education and science, as well as the exchange of experience and best practices. Following the meeting, mutual interest in the further development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest was reaffirmed.