Turkmenistan strengthens its integration into the international shipping system

Turkmenistan is embarking on a new stage of cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov outlined several proposals to expand relations with this UN body. These proposals are aimed at strengthening our country's status as a key transport hub on the Caspian Sea.

Taking an active position in transport diplomacy, Turkmenistan is a participant in 14 IMO conventions. The new initiatives are aimed at bringing national legislation into full compliance with the most modern global shipping standards.

One of the practical steps will be the creation of a special interdepartmental working group. Its main task will be to carry out work on Turkmenistan's accession to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.

This decision is of strategic importance for business and logistics, as it relates to the simplification of paperwork (reducing bureaucratic procedures for ships entering and leaving ports, minimizing ship downtime — which directly affects the efficiency of the "Lapis Lazuli" corridor and the Caspian Sea — Black Sea routes). Another important aspect is digitalization and the implementation of international standards for electronic data exchange.

The joint work plan for the coming year includes: organizing visits of IMO leadership to Turkmenistan for direct negotiations; holding seminars and consultations with world-class experts on shipping safety and protection of the marine environment; and improving the professional level of national maritime personnel in accordance with the norms of the conventions.

At a government meeting on Friday, March 13, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals on maritime diplomacy presented by Vice-Premier Rashid Meredov, emphasizing that systematic cooperation with the IMO is a necessary condition for the effective use of the potential of the country's seaports and ensuring security in the Caspian.