Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan addressed the "United Water" Summit

National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan  spoke at the One Water Summit, TDH reports.

In his speech, Hero-Arkadag noted that today interaction on water issues is the most important component of global processes, largely determining the prospects for ensuring sustainable stability, development and well-being on the planet. In this context, guaranteeing equal and equitable access to water and, in a broader sense, to water resources, is a decisive condition not only of political-legal but also of moral order, a matter of responsibility before present and future generations.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the criterion determining the effectiveness of the multilateral dialog on water issues should be the unconditional commitment of its participants to two fundamental provisions: rational use and equitable distribution of water resources.

Turkmenistan always firmly and invariably declares that access to water is a natural right of nations and every person, said Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.

Hero-Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is convinced that consideration of the whole complex of water issues in Central Asia should be based on three key principles:

1. Compliance with international law. Water resources are common property and their use should be regulated in accordance with universally recognized norms, in particular on the basis of UN conventions.
2. Mutual consideration of interests. Decisions should take into account the needs of all states in the region. Only such an approach will ensure fairness and sustainability.
3. Involvement of international organizations and, first of all, the UN. We believe that UN participation in water initiatives strengthens their legitimacy and effectiveness.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the issue of rational use of water of the Amu Darya River, which Turkmenistan considers as the most important resource for national and regional development, Turkmenistan's initiative to develop a UN Special Program for the Aral Sea basin and to make the Aral Sea issue a separate area of activity of the United Nations.

Concluding his speech, Chairman Khalk Maslakhaty confirmed Turkmenistan's unwavering readiness for further close cooperation on water issues with the UN, other specialized international structures, neighbors and partners on clear and fair principles, mutual responsibility and consideration of interests.