On September 21, the speech of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was shown at the UN during the 76th session of the General Assembly.
Speaking about the coronavirus pandemic, the head of Turkmenistan complained that “the efforts being made in this direction by the international community are not yet effective enough; the pandemic has revealed serious systemic failures in the mechanisms for responding to such challenges. "
Berdymukhamedov also urged not to politicize the problems of the pandemic, stating the following: "There should be no place for politicizing the problem of coronavirus, using it as an instrument of influence in interstate relations."
The head of Turkmenistan proposed to create international and regional institutions:
• a special WHO program for the study of the coronavirus genome;
• the WHO multilateral pneumonia control mechanism;
• WHO methodological center for the treatment and prevention of acute infections;
• Central Asian Regional Center for Epidemiology, Virology and Bacteriology.
On September 17, during the SCO summit in Dushanbe, Berdimuhamedov called on those present to support these initiatives.
At the same time, the authorities of Turkmenistan do not recognize the presence of coronavirus on their territory, despite numerous evidence indicating that the country is experiencing a strong wave of COVID-19.
In addition to the pandemic, Berdymukhamedov spoke about the situation in neighboring Afghanistan. According to the Turkmen leader, the solution of the Afghan problem should be approached without ideological preferences, phobias and stereotypes.
“The situation there is not easy, the emerging institutions of power and society are extremely fragile. Therefore, when interpreting and assessing the situation in this country, extreme reconciliation, balance, responsibility both in words and in deeds are required.
Afghan realities have changed, when shaping approaches to them, one must discard ideological preferences, old grievances, phobias and stereotypes and, above all, think about the Afghan people, tired of wars and turmoil, dreaming of a peaceful and calm life, "Berdymukhamedov said, promising to continue providing the country economic and humanitarian support.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's speech was recorded in advance, judging by his clothes, before or after the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on September 16. Later that day, he opened a new rostrum to receive the parades.
Source: Chronicles of Turkmenistan