BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 3. Turkmenistan and the
International Labour Organization (ILO) have discussed expanding
practical cooperation.


This was reported by Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
following a meeting between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and
Corinne Vargha, Director of the ILO's International Labour
Standards Department.


"The sides confirmed their readiness to further develop
practical cooperation, including on issues related to the opening
of an ILO representation in Turkmenistan," the ministry said.


According to the ministry, the parties reviewed the current
state and prospects of cooperation, noting that collaboration with
the ILO contributes to the improvement of Turkmenistan's labour
legislation, the development of social dialogue, and the
implementation of international labour standards.


The sides also highlighted the importance of implementing the
2026 Roadmap for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO.







During the meeting, the parties noted the growing cooperation
between the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan and the
ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV), aimed at promoting
social dialogue and international labour standards.


The ministry added that both sides reaffirmed their interest in
strengthening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.


Meanwhile, Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the
International Labour Organization has intensified over the past
year, with the sides placing greater emphasis on aligning national
labour legislation with international standards and expanding
practical cooperation. In April 2026, they reviewed the
implementation of the 2026 Cooperation Roadmap, describing it as a
key instrument for delivering concrete and measurable outcomes,
while also discussing the expansion of the ILO's institutional
presence in Turkmenistan.


The partnership has also broadened through new technical
initiatives. In May 2026, the ILO and the European Union launched a
joint project in Turkmenistan focused on promoting decent work and
preventing child and forced labour, particularly in the cotton
sector. The initiative is aligned with the ILO-Government
Cooperation Roadmap, Turkmenistan's Labour Market Development
Concept through 2030, and the United Nations Sustainable
Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030.