Media: Berdimuhamedov demands fair access to water

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov called for unconditional observance of the principle of equal and fair access to water resources, the government's Russian-language newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" writes.

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, the head of state said, speaking online at the fourth Asian-Pacific Water Summit, in which he took part at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

"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", the Turkmen leader emphasized, RIA Novosti reports.

He noted that "it is particularly important in the current conditions, when the coronavirus pandemic has caused serious damage to the global economy, global food security, and has negatively affected the implementation of sustainable development goals".

Ashgabat's position on water and energy issues is principled and consistent. These issues must be resolved: firstly, on the basis of universally recognized norms of international law, secondly, taking into account the interests of each country and. Moreover, these isssues must be resolved with the active participation of international organizations, primarily, the UN. 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, Berdimuhamedov added.