President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is currently on the working trip to New York for participation in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, met with the UN Secretary – General Antonio Guterres. The UN Leader expressed the gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for participation in the work of the forum. Having noted active position of Turkmenistan in consolidation of constructive regional nd international dialog for solution of the main issues of the present, Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of constructive initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed at current session including on the declaration of 2019 as the year of peace and trust. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed the gratitude to the Secretary – General for unremitting personal attention to the cooperation with our state, support of proposals and beginnings of Turkmenistan. Implementing foreign concept based on the principles of positive neutrality, peace-loving, goodwill and intent for fruitful dialog with all interested parties, we would continue steadily follow this course, the Head of the State said. During the conversation, the sides shared the views on current condition and perspectives of bilateral cooperation. Antonio Guterres noted that the world community highly appreciate the input of Turkmenistan, which carries out targeted work and takes specific measures for practical implementation of joint projects and programmes in the context of goals and objectives of 2030 Global Agenda. Having mentioned that creation of conditions for wealthy and deserved life of people is the key priority of the state policy, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that it meets the Sustainable Development Goals and expressed the willingness of our country to intensify fruitful dialog with competent structure in all directions presenting mutual interest. Speaking of growing potential of bilateral cooperation, the head of Turkmenistan and the UN Secretary – General discussed the opportunity of the partnership in new perspective spheres. Stating with delight the success of our country in the achievement of the SDGs, Antonio Guterres noted the importance of consolidation of beneficial relations in transport and energy spheres, which in current conditions, serves as integral factor of regional and global progress. Having focused on the presence of big perspectives for improvement of cooperation between Central Asian countries in various spheres, the Head of the UN expressed the confidence that Turkmenistan would play the main role in the region and its constructive proposals would receive comprehensive support. At the same time, the importance of the participation of neutral Turkmenistan in international processes as well as peace-making position of the country, its considerable input to social and economic restoration of Afghanistan and initiative approach to regulation of the situation in neighbouring state by political and diplomatic methods have been emphasized. Having outlined joint work in such priority direction as environmental protection among key vectors, the Sides exchanged the views on solution of Aral Sea problems and improvement of ecological situation in its basin. Taking the opportunity, the head of the UN expressed cordial gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for reception and hospitality rendered during his working visit to Ashgabat last June. Antonio Guterres highlighted that he is pleased to see Turkmen leader again, having noted personal attention and support of head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to cooperation with the United Nations, which serves as an example for all countries.