Further steps that the Turkmen side will take as an observer in the WTO were discussed today at a regular meeting of the government commission to study issues related to Turkmenistan's entry into this international structure, the website of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan reports.

From the Turkmen side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Vepa Khadzhiev, heads and representatives of a number of ministries and departments of the country. The delegation of the World Trade Organization was headed by the Director of the Department for WTO Accession, Ms. Maika Oshikawa.

During the videoconference, it was noted that the observer status of Turkmenistan is an important first step towards accession to the WTO, and the Turkmen side will be able to make the best use of the observation period for in-depth familiarization with the organization and its activities, as well as to prepare for the start of negotiations on accession to this organization as a full member.

In her speech, Oshikawa reported on the letter of the WTO Director General addressed to the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Also, the meeting participants considered a number of priority issues related to the continuation of work to enhance cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WTO and further strengthen bilateral partnership with this organization. The participation of Turkmenistan in the WTO will contribute to the dynamic development of the national and external economy of the country, as well as create new opportunities for attracting investors.

The decision to grant Turkmenistan observer status in the WTO was made during the regular meeting of the General Council of the World Trade Organization, held at the headquarters of the organization in Geneva on July 22, 2020.