On 13 November 2026, a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal.

The document was signed by Maral Achylova, Chairperson of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, and Mahir Safarly, UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Asia.

The main objective of the Memorandum is to support refugees, stateless persons and other socially vulnerable groups. Under the agreement, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, in cooperation with UNHCR, will provide assistance to these groups and disseminate information about their rights and opportunities. The parties also intend to exchange experience and organise training sessions for staff members and volunteers.

The document also places particular emphasis on joint preparedness for potential emergency situations. The aim is to ensure that assistance can be organised promptly and in a coordinated manner whenever the need arises.

Mahir Safarly noted that the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan is a reliable partner and said that the Memorandum would help improve the effectiveness of the parties’ joint activities.

Maral Achylova, in turn, emphasised that the Society’s work is guided by the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation with international organisations for the Society.

It is noted that Turkmenistan was the first country in Central Asia to accede to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, as well as the two conventions concerning statelessness. The country has been cooperating with UNHCR for several years, including in efforts to eliminate statelessness.

Under the signed Memorandum, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan will also officially join joint activities in this area.