Within the framework of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Programme, taking place from October 12 to 16, 2026, in Geneva (Swiss Confederation), a bilateral working meeting was held between the delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan A. Sazakov, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Barham Salih.
During the meeting, the head of the Turkmen delegation sincerely congratulated Mr. Barham Salih on his election to this post, wishing him great success in his humanitarian endeavors. The parties emphasized the positive outcomes of their long-standing cooperation, specifically noting that this event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Continuing the conversation, the sides discussed priority areas for bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, Mr. Barham Salih was briefed on the humanitarian policy pursued in our country under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag.
During the discussion, emphasis was placed on the experience of Turkmenistan, which in 2024, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Programme, successfully resolved all cases of statelessness on its territory. Over the years of implementing this humanitarian policy, more than 32,000 people have been admitted to the citizenship of Turkmenistan, and over 5,000 individuals have received residence permits in Turkmenistan. As a significant continuation of this course, on the eve of the glorious 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence, and in accordance with the Decree of the Respected President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, residence permits in Turkmenistan were granted to an additional 146 foreign citizens.
In turn, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Barham Salih, highlighted that the numerous conferences, meetings, forums, and international events on humanitarian issues hosted by Turkmenistan enjoy the full support of the entire global community. He also stressed that the international public highly appreciates the successes achieved by our country in migration policy.
