ANKARA – The Director of the UN Population Fund’s Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Werner Haug, has arrived in Ankara today to discuss Turkey’s contribution to advancing global population and development priorities in the region.

“Turkey is becoming an increasingly important partner for our work in the region,” said Haug.

“With the progress it has made in advancing maternal and reproductive health and its vibrant economy, Turkey has the potential to serve as a model and to more actively support UNFPA’s work in the region, both as a donor and politically,” he added.

Turkey has made strides in implementing the 1994 Cairo Programme of Action, which commits states to ensuring access to reproductive and sexual health services including family planning and reducing maternal and child mortality.

Turkey also hosts UNFPA’s Regional Office located in Istanbul.

During the two-day visit, Haug will meet with Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Development, Fatma Şahin, Minister of Family and Social Policies, and other high-level officials.