On August 6, 2025, a meeting was held at the Turkmenbashy International Seaport between the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, Mr. Maksat Khudaykuliyev, and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Ian Saunders. The meeting took place as part of the Secretary General’s visit to Turkmenistan to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

During the talks, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in the field of customs administration, as well as measures to improve the efficiency of customs authorities. Special attention was given to the development of the WCO Regional Training Centre, operating under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, and the training of highly qualified personnel for the national customs system.

Following the meeting, the delegations visited the Turkmenbashy International Seaport, where the WCO Secretary General familiarized himself with the port’s infrastructure and the facilities established for the effective movement of goods and passengers.

As part of the visit, the Secretary General also gave an interview to the national television, highlighting the high level of cooperation with Turkmenistan and the promising prospects for the development of joint initiatives.

The meeting with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization marked an important step toward strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the WCO.