Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Conference “Main directions and potential for tourism development in Turkmenistan”.

Warmly welcoming the guest to the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land, the head of state emphasized the importance of the forum aimed at revealing the existing great tourism opportunities of our country, and expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings held during the current visit will serve to further expand cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN World Tourism Organization .

Expressing gratitude for the time devoted to the meeting, the head of the largest international organization, taking the opportunity, conveyed warm words of greeting to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag, as well as wishes of peace, prosperity and new successes on the chosen path to the entire Turkmen people.

During the subsequent conversation, which took place in a businesslike, constructive manner, the current state and prospects for the development of traditional cooperation that meets mutual interests were discussed.

One of the key vectors of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is the development of a multifaceted strategic partnership with the United Nations and its specialized structures, including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Turkmenistan has been a member of the UNWTO since 1993 and for more than

For 30 years, we have accumulated useful experience in cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

At the same time, noting that the potential of the partnership is not fully used, the head of state expressed support for the establishment of more effective bilateral relations that meet the modern realities and capabilities of Turkmenistan.

As noted, our country is currently paying special attention to the development of the tourism industry. Natural and climatic conditions and great historical and cultural potential, rich national traditions and original customs, as well as new and high-quality infrastructure are the main factors in the development of national tourism.

Turkmenistan has repeatedly received entries in the Guinness Book of Records. The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, is recognized as the most white marble city in the world, and its many attractions are also included in the book of world records.

It should be noted that Turkmenistan has been the center of civilizations since ancient times, where the Great Silk Road passed. The historical sites of Kunyaurgench, Ancient Merv and Nisa, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the unique cultural heritage and ancient history of the Turkmen people, the head of the Turkmen state emphasized.

Very impressive places for ecological tourism are the beautiful mountain corners of the Kopetdag, the flora and fauna of the Karakum desert, the coastal zones of the Amu Darya, Koytendag, as well as the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea.

It was noted that another important area of the national economy of Turkmenistan is the health, treatment and sanatorium-resort sector. In all corners of the country, the number of specialized facilities and the range of services provided in them are growing, which create favorable conditions for recreational tourism.

In this regard, it was emphasized that our country continues to intend to develop sustainable tourism, the goals of which coincide with the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve socio-economic progress and ensure environmental well-being.

At the end of the meeting, having confirmed the readiness of the Turkmen side to further expand the fruitful cooperation established over the years and consider constructive proposals, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili health, happiness and new successes in his responsible activities.