Joint Statement on the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations

05/03/2023 06:04 PM EDT

 

Office of the Spokesperson

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Turkmenistan on the occasion of the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABCs) in Washington.

The United States reiterated its support for Turkmenistan’s sovereignty and independence and its foreign policy principle of positive neutrality.  Both countries shared a desire to discuss ways in which they can jointly promote a safe and secure Central Asia in the face of security threats, including terrorism, from within the region and beyond.

The United States recognized the openness of Turkmenistan to multiple visits by the International Labour Organization (ILO) during the past year and the finalization of an action plan based on ILO standards to address forced labor.  The Turkmen side expressed their intent to implement that action plan, including reforms to Turkmen labor law already recommended by the ILO.

The United States plans to continue to provide technical support to Turkmenistan as it pursues its goal of membership in the World Trade Organization.

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