Today, the &quot;Shapak&quot; Park opened in the Choganly residential area of the Bagtyyarlyk etrap in the capital, becoming a wonderful gift for residents ahead of the upcoming Ashgabat City Day.

The ceremonial opening was attended by senior officials from the military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, representatives of the Halk Maslahaty, local authorities, public organizations, esteemed elders, silver-haired mothers, and youth.

The large-scale urban development policy being implemented under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan in the Era of Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State stands as clear evidence of the successful realization of the positive initiatives of the Hero-Arkadag.

Source: <a href="https://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/ru/post/95222/v-ashhabade-otkrylsya-novyj-park">Electronic newspaper &quot;Golden Age&quot;</a>

A New Park Opens in Ashgabat

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov participated in the first meeting of Termez Dialogue on connectivity between Central and South Asia under the title: &ldquo;Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity&rdquo;.

The meeting was attended by heads of foreign policy agencies, experts of analytical and research centers of Central and South Asian countries, representatives of financial institutions, international and regional organizations.

The participants of the event discussed the current state and prospects of interregional interaction between Central and South Asia, including strengthening cooperation in ensuring security, stability and sustainable development, as well as expanding the role of the private sector and financial structures in ensuring economic growth.

Addressing the meeting, the delegation of Turkmenistan voiced present issues and initiatives to strengthen cooperation between Central and South Asian countries in the transport and logistics, energy, economic and humanitarian spheres.

It was stated that, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2025 was declared by the UN General Assembly as the &ldquo;International Year of Peace and Trust&rdquo;, which became a clear expression of recognition of Turkmenistan&rsquo;s activities aimed at ensuring global peace and sustainable development.

Participants of the Termez Dialogue expressed their conviction that the agreements reached at the meeting contribute to further promotion of interregional interconnectivity and maintenance of peace, security and stability on the vast Eurasian continent.

Source: <a href="https://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/95192/delegation-turkmenistan-participated-first-meeting-termez-dialogue-connectivity-between-central-and-south-asia">electronic newspaper &laquo;Golden age&raquo;</a>

Delegation of Turkmenistan participated in the first meeting of Termez Dialogue on connectivity between Central and South Asia

From May 21 to 24, 2025, an international youth forum is being held in Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the participation of Central Asian countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The forum has brought together more than 100 delegates from these regions in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

This event aims to strengthen collaboration between the countries of both regions and to increase the contribution of youth to sustainable development.

Turkmenistan&rsquo;s delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Education, the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, staff from the newspaper &ldquo;Turkmenistan,&rdquo; as well as university teachers and students.

Young scientists, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, cultural figures, athletes, volunteers, media representatives, and students serving as Youth Ambassadors for the Sustainable Development Goals are actively representing Turkmenistan at the forum. They are presenting their views and creative initiatives and exchanging experiences in various fields of international cooperation.

The forum&rsquo;s agenda features plenary sessions, exhibitions, and other events focusing on important areas such as innovation, youth entrepreneurship, ecology, education, sports, culture, youth diplomacy, volunteerism, and the media sector.

At the conclusion of the forum, the Dushanbe Declaration is expected to be adopted. Additionally, there will be sports events, an IT project exhibition, and a cultural concert.

The regular participation of Turkmen youth in such international forums is a vivid result of the successful implementation of state youth policy under the leadership of the esteemed President of Turkmenistan. It also reflects the effective execution of the &ldquo;Turkmenistan Youth International Cooperation Strategy for 2023&ndash;2030.&rdquo;

Such forums, held in the Year of Peace and Trust, create opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and promote initiatives that support peaceful development.

Source: <a href="https://education.gov.tm/news-details/3716">Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan</a>

Turkmen Youth Participate in an International Forum in Tajikistan

On May 22, 2025, a meeting of the United Nations Country Team in Turkmenistan was held in video conference mode. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, heads of UN agencies in Turkmenistan and regional structures of this organization.

The agenda of the meeting included discussion of Turkmenistan&rsquo;s national priorities for the new cycle of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026&ndash;2030 and study of ways to accelerate the process of achieving the SDGs.

The head of the country&rsquo;s foreign policy department spoke in detail about the key vectors of Turkmenistan&rsquo;s strategic partnership with the UN, such as peace and security, the socio-economic sphere, implementation of the SDGs, transport and energy, combating climate change and a number of other areas.

During the meeting, the role of the Strategic Advisory Council &ldquo;Turkmenistan &ndash; UN&rdquo;, created last year, was emphasized. It focuses on the implementation of national programs and international initiatives of the country in close coordination with the UN in both the political and socio-economic dimensions.

During the negotiations, an exchange of views took place on the prospects for Turkmenistan&rsquo;s partnership with specialized UN structures in such areas as sustainable development, transport, climate change and environmental protection, as well as the humanitarian dimension, including aspects of human rights, preservation of national cultural heritage, application and implementation of best practices in the education and health care systems.

The heads of UN departments in their speeches informed about the ongoing joint work with the Government of Turkmenistan and shared their ideas and proposals in this direction.

The meeting also discussed the schedule of upcoming meetings and planned joint events.

Source: <a href="https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/5272">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan</a>

The United Nations Country Team Meeting in Turkmenistan was held

On May 21, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, the parties examined in details the main areas and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN in the field of youth policy, and noted Turkmenistan&rsquo;s contribution to the development of youth diplomacy.

The head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan informed that the country&rsquo;s youth actively participates in international initiatives, including the UN, UNICEF and UNESCO programs. Speaking about the importance of involving young people in the processes of achieving the SDGs, the Minister emphasized that the SDG Young Ambassadors represent Turkmenistan at global platforms, such as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, demonstrating the country&rsquo;s contribution to achieving the global agenda.

As noted, guided by the goals and objectives of the UN Strategy &ldquo;Youth 2030&rdquo;, the Law of Turkmenistan &ldquo;On State Youth Policy&rdquo;, the State Program in the Field of State Youth Policy for 2021&ndash;2025, the Strategy for International Cooperation of the Youth of Turkmenistan for 2023&ndash;2030 were approved.

Along with this, the importance of holding a Regional Training for Young Diplomats and Civil Servants of Central Asia in Ashgabat in May of this year, jointly with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, was mentioned.

The parties discussed the draft of the Youth, Peace and Security Program for 2025&ndash;2027, aimed at supporting the country&rsquo;s youth and adolescents, promoting their representation at regional and international events.

It was stated that the country intends to continue working to support the activities of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, established at the initiative of Turkmenistan, in order to implement the international agenda &ldquo;Youth, Peace and Security&rdquo;.

Touching upon the topic of upcoming events, the parties touched upon the issues of holding the LLDC3 Youth Forum in the &laquo;Avaza&raquo; National Tourist Zone in August 2025 as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3).

Source: <a href="https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/5270">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan</a>

Turkmenistan Activates Partnership with UN in Youth Policy

On May 19-20, 2025, the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Tehran and was attended by the leadership and representatives of a number of state entities and business circles of the two countries.

The meeting was chaired by the Co-chairpersons of the Commission - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd.

The agenda of the successive meeting included a wide range of political-diplomatic, trade-economic, as well as cultural-humanitarian issues of interstate relations, including the designation of new favorable fields of partnership.

The sides noted the important role of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation in the implementation of the previously reached agreements.

Representatives of Turkmenistan and IRI thoroughly considered the issues of development of bilateral relations in the trade and economic sector, transport and logistics, gas sector, industry, agriculture and water sector, investment and standardization, as well as analyzed the implementation of the decisions of the previous meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.

Speaking about further development of trade ties, the Turkmen side put forward a proposal to establish trade and economic zones along some segments of the Turkmen-Iranian border.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the development of cooperation in science and education, culture, healthcare, sports and tourism, environmental protection.

Underlining the expediency for regular bilateral meetings, consultations and dialogs, the participants of the session expressed confidence that the new agreements reached during the current meeting would contribute to further strengthening of constructive dialog for the benefit of two countries and fraternal peoples.

Upon the results of the meeting, the Protocol of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed.

***

During the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, bilateral meetings were held between Rashid Meredov and Minister of Energy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Aliabadi and Minister of Oil of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohsen Paknejad.

Source: <a href="https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/5267">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan</a>

Successive meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission was held in Tehran

The delegation of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan took part in the key session of the World Education Forum (Education World Forum 2025), dedicated to the current topic: &lsquo;Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Teaching and Learning&rsquo;. 
The analytical session of the forum, held in the format of a round table, provided participants with the opportunity to deeply discuss the prospects for the use of artificial intelligence in education. The participants included ministers and deputy ministers of education from Finland, Armenia, Estonia, Senegal, Tanzania, Mauritius and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of major players such as Google and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The moderator was an international expert in the field of digital education Mike Trucano (AI in Education Observatory). 
In his speech, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Atayev emphasized the strategic importance of international cooperation on the ethical implementation of AI in the educational environment. He focused on the need to create individual learning paths, protect students from information overload, and ensure equal access to digital opportunities for all.&nbsp; 
The session participants discussed a wide range of issues, including the potential of AI to personalize education, the risks associated with academic integrity and algorithmic bias, ways to overcome digital illiteracy, and the need to develop global standards and regulation in this area. 
Source: <a href="https://turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm/news/12238">T&uuml;rkmenistan habarlar portaly</a>

Turkmenistan delegation took part in the world forum on AI in education

The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree, according to which a delegation from the country, headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov, will be sent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the visit is to exchange experience in the field of urban planning.

In accordance with the document, the official visit of the Turkmen delegation to the city of Riyadh will take place from May 21 to 23, 2025. This event is organized to learn about the modern approaches and achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of urban planning and infrastructure development.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44915/delegaciya-nashej-strany-vo-glave-s-vice-premerom-bannamammedovym-komandirovana-v-gorod-er-riyad-korolevstva-saudovskaya-araviya">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

Turkmenistan to Study Riyadh's Urban Planning Experience

On May 20, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow received Mohammed Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), who is visiting our country.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity of the meeting, the guest emphasized that it was a great honor for him to visit Turkmenistan, which is achieving great success in the sphere of sports. The IWF President noted that he recalls with particular warmth his previous visits to Ashgabat in 2017 to participate in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and in 2018 for the World Weightlifting Championships. Taking the opportunity, he expressed his admiration for the unique beauty of white-marbled Ashgabat.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44919/prezident-turkmenistana-prinyal-rukovoditelya-mezhdunarodnoj-federacii-tyazhyoloj-atletiki">Turkmenistan State News Agency</a>

President of Turkmenistan Receives Head of the International Weightlifting Federation

On May 20, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow held a working meeting attended by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev and the hyakims (governors) of the velayats (regions), where issues related to the country&#39;s agricultural sector and ongoing work in the regions were reviewed.

At the meeting, the hyakims of Ahal Velayat, T. Nurmyradov; Balkan Velayat, H. Ashyrmyradov; Dashoguz Velayat, D. Babaev; Lebap Velayat, M. Annanepesov; and Mary Velayat, B. Orazov, reported on the progress of the current seasonal agricultural campaigns in their respective regions.

After hearing the reports, the Head of State instructed to ensure the high-quality completion of care for cotton crops, making effective use of the necessary agricultural machinery, and also to ensure the organized commencement of the grain harvest.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44921/prezident-turkmenistana-provyol-rabochee-soveshchanie-28">Turkmenistan State News Agency</a>

President of Turkmenistan Holds Working Meeting

On May 19, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, and the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the conversation, it was noted that the relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE are consistently based on the principles of mutual respect and support.

In this regard, Hero-Arkadag emphasized the great potential for the development of bilateral trade and economic partnership, as evidenced by the steady annual growth in trade turnover.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44903/telefonnyj-razgovor-mezhdu-geroem-arkadagom-i-vice-prezidentom-obedinyonnyh-arabskih-emiratov">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

The National Leader of the Turkmen People Held a Telephone Conversation with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

Key economic sectors were discussed at a Cabinet meeting held on May 17th. 
Vice-Premier B. Amanov reported on the implementation of digital systems in the State Concern &quot;T&uuml;rkmengaz&quot; for the efficient management of natural gas extraction and supply. 
The Head of State instructed the Vice-Premier to strengthen control over the extraction of natural gas by the &quot;T&uuml;rkmengaz&quot; concern, its supply, and the provision to consumers. 
Subsequently, the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications, M. Chakyyev, reported on measures to strengthen the material and technical base of the &quot;T&uuml;rkmendemir&yacute;ollary&quot; railway department. These steps are aimed at increasing cargo turnover and enhancing the country&#39;s transit potential. 
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals to strengthen the material and technical base of the industry and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. 
Source: <a href="http://Key economic sectors were discussed at a Cabinet meeting held on May 17th. Vice-Premier B. Amanov reported on the implementation of digital systems in the State Concern &quot;Türkmengaz&quot; for the efficient management of natural gas extraction and supply. The Head of State instructed the Vice-Premier to strengthen control over the extraction of natural gas by the &quot;Türkmengaz&quot; concern, its supply, and the provision to consumers. Subsequently, the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications, M. Chakyyev, reported on measures to strengthen the material and technical base of the &quot;Türkmendemirýollary&quot; railway department. These steps are aimed at increasing cargo turnover and enhancing the country's transit potential. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals to strengthen the material and technical base of the industry and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. Source: Türkmenistan habarlar portaly">T&uuml;rkmenistan habarlar portaly</a>

Digitalization of the gas industry and railway development discussed in Turkmenistan

On May 18, independent and neutral Turkmenistan celebrates a major national holiday &ndash; Constitution and State Flag Day, symbolizing the sovereignty of the Motherland and the unbreakable unity of the nation.

The epicenter of the celebrations was the Turkmen capital, where ceremonies were held with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to lay flowers at the Monument of the Constitution and the National Flag of the country.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44892/prezident-turkmenistana-prinyal-uchastie-v-prazdnichnyh-meropriyatiyah-po-sluchayu-dnya-konstitucii-i-gosudarstvennogo-flaga-strany">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

President of Turkmenistan Took Part in the Celebrations Marking Constitution and State Flag Day

On May 17, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, made a working visit to the city of Arkadag, which was built based on the &ldquo;smart city&rdquo; concept and combines advanced technologies with the principles of national architecture. During the visit, Hero-Arkadag familiarized himself with projects for facilities planned for construction and reconstruction in the new city.

As part of the working visit, Hero-Arkadag met with the Director of the Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Turkmenistan &ndash; a long-standing partner of our country.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44883/nacionalnyj-lider-turkmenskogo-naroda-predsedatel-halk-maslahaty-turkmenistana-geroj-arkadag-sovershil-rabochuyu-poezdku-v-gorod-arkadag-5">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

The National Leader of the Turkmen People Made a Working Visit to the City of Arkadag

On May 16, during his working visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a telephone conversation with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

During the conversation, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, which are based on the principles of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding. They also emphasized the importance of continuing an active interstate dialogue.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44864/telefonnyj-razgovor-geroya-arkadaga-s-prezidentom-rossijskoj-federacii-vladimirom-putinym">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

A Telephone Conversation Took Place Between the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the President of Russia

On May 16, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a working visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, where he participated as an honorary guest in the 16th International Economic Forum &quot;Russia &ndash; Islamic World: KazanForum 2025.&quot; Official representatives saw off Hero-Arkadag at the capital&#39;s international airport.

The development of fruitful cooperation with major regions and entities of the Russian Federation is an integral part of the traditionally friendly interstate Turkmen-Russian dialogue. A clear example of this is the long-standing and effective interaction with fraternal Tatarstan, built on the principles of mutual benefit and long-term partnership. The solid foundation of bilateral cooperation has been laid through regular meetings and negotiations at various levels.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44872/nacionalnyj-lider-turkmenskogo-naroda-predsedatel-halk-maslahaty-turkmenistana-geroj-arkadag-prinyal-uchastie-v-xvi-mezhdunarodnom-ekonomicheskom-forume-rossiya-islamskij-mir-kazanforum-2025">TDH</a>

The National Leader of the Turkmen People Participated in the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025"

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree according to which pilgrims are allowed to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

The document instructs the Agency &quot;Turkmenhowayollary&quot; of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers to organize a special flight to deliver pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and back from May 31 to June 23.

Source: <a href="https://turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm/news/12150">TNP</a>

President of Turkmenistan signed Decree on allowing pilgrims to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj

On May 16, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on a working visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, where he will participate as an honorary guest in the 16th International Economic Forum &quot;Russia &ndash; Islamic World: KazanForum 2025.&quot;

At the International Airport of the capital, Hero-Arkadag was seen off by official representatives.

Source: <a href="http://On May 16, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on a working visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, where he will participate as an honorary guest in the 16th International Economic Forum &quot;Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025.&quot; At the International Airport of the capital, Hero-Arkadag was seen off by official representatives. Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

The National Leader of the Turkmen People Departs on a Working Visit to the Republic of Tatarstan

The international exhibition &quot;Russia Halal Expo 2025&quot; is taking place in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, where Turkmenistan has presented its national pavilion.

The national pavilion of Turkmenistan provides a comprehensive overview of the achievements and successes of our country across all key economic sectors, including the private sector, highlighting the diverse potential for mutually beneficial long-term partnerships.

The pavilion of our country showcases products from leading economic sectors, including the fuel and energy sector, chemical, food, light, and specifically the textile industry, as well as the production of construction and finishing materials, among others. As a result of diversification and digitalization processes, the domestic electronics industry is developing dynamically. This sector is represented by various types of electronic devices.

Additionally, the pavilion features items from traditional types of national arts, which are an integral part of the unique cultural heritage of our people. Among the exhibits are the famous Turkmen carpets and exquisite jewelry. These magnificent creations, crafted by talented Turkmen carpet weavers and master jewelers, are renowned worldwide for their unparalleled beauty and intricate craftsmanship.

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44850/nacionalnyj-pavilon-turkmenistana-na-vystavke-russia-halal-expo-2025">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the "Russia Halal Expo 2025"

In order to create favorable conditions for the solemn celebration of the Day of the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the State Flag of Turkmenistan, to ensure comfortable rest for the population of the country, and in accordance with Part 2 of Article 81 of the Labor Code of Turkmenistan, I hereby decree:

To transfer the public holiday from May 18 to May 19, 2025 (Monday).

All ministries, enterprises, and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership, are instructed to ensure the implementation of this Decree.

President of Turkmenistan 
Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV

Source: <a href="https://tdh.gov.tm/ru/post/44843/ukaz-prezidenta-turkmenistana-o-perenose-vyhodnogo-dnya-vypadayushchego-na-den-konstitucii-turkmenistana-i-gosudarstvennogo-flaga-turkmenistana">State News Agency of Turkmenistan</a>

The United Nations Country Team Meeting in Turkmenistan was held

News

National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the "Russia Halal Expo 2025"

Presidential Decree of Turkmenistan on the Transfer of the Public Holiday Falling on the Day of the Constitution and the State Flag of Turkmenistan

President of Turkmenistan Holds Working Meeting

The National Leader of the Turkmen People Held a Telephone Conversation with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates