MEETINGS OF THE TURKMENISTAN DELEGATION WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE

Within the framework of participation in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, on June 5, 2025, important meetings were held between the delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Muhammetseyit Sylapov, and key international partners — the International Organisation of Employers and the International Trade Union Confederation.

Meeting with the International Organisation of Employers

During the meeting between the Minister and the Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Mr. Roberto Suárez-Santos, the parties discussed prospects for deepening cooperation, especially in the context of technical support, expanding the participation of national employers, and further harmonising labour legislation with international standards. The Turkmen side emphasized:

• its commitment to the effective implementation of its obligations, including consistent work on accession to a number of ILO conventions;
• readiness for active interaction with the IOE within the framework of joint events and exchange of experience;
• the importance of more active involvement of national employers' associations in the processes of international cooperation as "ambassadors" in the global employers’ community;
• a high appreciation of the current activities of the IOE, especially in recent years, and confidence in the value of their support in the future.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of employers being the ones to help identify priority areas of efforts in the social sphere, and that their participation in ILO technical programmes strengthens the effectiveness of reforms.

Meeting with the International Trade Union Confederation

Within the framework of the meeting between M. Sylapov and the Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Mr. Luc Triangle, issues of expanding tripartite cooperation (government – employers – trade unions) were discussed, including in the context of the Law of Turkmenistan “On the Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labour Relations” adopted in October 2018, and Turkmenistan’s ratification in 2019 of Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultations.

It was noted that trade unions of Turkmenistan actively participate in regional and international initiatives, including cooperation with ACTRAV.

On the part of the ITUC, satisfaction was expressed with the country’s emerging openness and its active engagement in tripartite interaction. Particular attention was given to the possibility of future membership of Turkmen trade unions in the ITUC. For this, as Mr. Triangle noted, certain criteria must be met: representation in key sectors and regions, democratic structure, and independence of trade unions.

In conclusion, both parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation and continuing dialogue in the interests of workers and the sustainable development of the country.