The state and prospects for the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE were discussed on Wednesday at a meeting of the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Khadzhiev with the OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, the website of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan reports.

 “During the meeting, the current state and prospects for the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the political and economic spheres, in the field of energy and environmental security, the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy, as well as in matters of the humanitarian dimension were discussed,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

 The Turkmen side noted that long-term and effective cooperation with the OSCE occupies a special place in the context of Turkmenistan’s partnership with international organizations.  It was stated that recently the cooperation of Turkmenistan with the OSCE in key areas, such as energy and environmental security, transport interconnectedness, have been progressively developing.

 An exchange of views took place on issues of international and regional politics, security and stability in the region.  In this regard, the leadership of the OSCE emphasized the efforts of Turkmenistan in the process of resolving the situation and restoring peace in Afghanistan through the implementation of regional and international infrastructure projects, and the provision of effective humanitarian assistance to the neighboring country.

 The OSCE Secretary General noted the role of the policy of neutrality of Turkmenistan in the field of ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in the region and beyond.  In particular, the importance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the field of energy and environmental security, sustainable transport and water diplomacy, which correlate with the main priorities of the OSCE, was highlighted.

 During the conversation, V. Khadzhiev emphasized that Turkmenistan supports the development of “green” ports and interconnectedness in the Caspian Sea region, digitalization, facilitation of trade procedures and transport and logistics routes in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

 Special attention was focused on the importance of successful implementation in Turkmenistan of joint programs and projects carried out with the OSCE Center in Ashgabat.

 As noted in an OSCE press release, the Organization’s Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan from May 31 to June 8 to meet with senior government officials, parliamentarians and civil society.