Serdar Berdimuhamedov. File photoASHGABAT, Apr 24President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov called for unconditional observance of the principle of equal and fair access to water resources, the Russian-language newspaper of the government «Neutral Turkmenistan» reported on Sunday. The head of state said this while speaking online at the fourth Asia-Pacific Water Summit, in which he took part at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. According to Berdimuhamedov, today the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most powerful poles of global development and, accordingly, this region bears a great responsibility for the conservation and use of the planet's water resources, as an integral element of ensuring overall international stability and security. «We are convinced that the main condition for joint activities in this direction should remain an unconditional commitment to the principle of equal and fair access to water resources, recognizing it as a fundamental human right,» Tour stressed. Turkmen leader. He noted that «it is especially important in the current conditions, when the coronavirus pandemic has caused serious damage to the world economy, global food security, and negatively affected the implementation of sustainable development goals.» The President of Turkmenistan stressed that Ashgabat's position on water and energy problems is fundamental and consistent. According to the head of state, these issues should be resolved: firstly, on the basis of universally recognized norms of international law, secondly, taking into account the interests of each country and, thirdly, with the active participation of international organizations, primarily the UN. Also Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the initiatives of Turkmenistan in solving water problems are extremely specific and «tied» to the real needs of people and the goals of regional development. He recalled that Ashgabat had previously proposed developing a UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin and highlighting the Aral Sea problem as a separate area of UN activity, developing a Central Asian Water Strategy, a new Action Program to assist the countries of the Aral Sea Basin, etc. In conclusion, the President Turkmenistan stressed that Ashgabat supports the goals and objectives of the current summit, and expects that the adoption of the Declaration following its results will become one of the platforms for subsequent purposeful and substantive international cooperation. .jpg» />Putin invited the President of Turkmenistan to visit Russia
