MEETING OF THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE POPULATION OF TURKMENISTAN WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ILO

On June 3, 2025, within the framework of participation in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, a meeting took place between the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan, M. Sylapov, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo.

The parties discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. A positive and constructive dynamic in collaboration was noted: thanks to the implemented measures and joint activities carried out in recent years, significant results have been achieved in promoting priority areas related to the application of ILO conventions.

Particular attention was given to improving labour legislation. Specifically, certain provisions of regulatory legal acts have been reviewed and amendments introduced aimed at bringing national legislation in line with the provisions of the conventions. With the assistance of the ILO, seminars and training sessions were organized. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of obligations under the ratified conventions.

In the context of celebrating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality this year, the Minister invited the ILO Director-General to participate in the events planned for December in Ashgabat and conveyed an official invitation on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan.

In turn, Mr. Houngbo highly appreciated the dynamics of cooperation with Turkmenistan, including the implementation of joint Roadmaps for the development of the labour sector. He noted the progress made, especially on issues concerning the cotton industry, and emphasized the importance of further implementation of the recommendations of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) to prevent reconsideration of certain topics.

The Director-General also gratefully accepted the invitation to the December events, highlighting the ILO's respect for Turkmenistan's neutrality policy and confirming readiness to consider participation at a high level.

The parties expressed a desire to further expand the partnership, including the development of social dialogue. The importance of ILO cooperation with trade unions was emphasized, including their active participation in regional initiatives. In this regard, the significance of the first meeting of trade union leaders of Central Asian countries, held on April 28, 2025, in Ashgabat, organized by the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan (NCTUT) jointly with the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), was noted.

The parties confirmed their mutual interest in continuing constructive and comprehensive cooperation, taking into account national priorities and international labour standards.