Working visit to Turkmenistan

 

Ashgabat, 2 – 5 March 2010 - A delegation of diplomats from the EU missions to the OSCE and responsible for the issues of Central Asia paid a visit to Turkmenistan on 2-5 March 2010; among them also a representative of Slovenia Ms. Ana Petrič. 
The delegation held a series of meetings with the Turkmen authorities, international organizations, diplomatic community and NGOs. The visit was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The diplomats met with Mr. Hadjiev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ms. Gurbannazarova, the Director of the National Institute of Human Rights and Democracy, Mr. Saparmuradov, the Deputy Minister of Nature Protection, as well as with the representatives of the Parliament/Mejlis. During these meetings cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan was praised and its possible enhancement was mentioned, especially in the following areas: border security and management, media and penitentiary reform, combating illegal trafficking, energy security, and engagement with Afghanistan. The diplomats had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of international organizations on the ground, especially with the projects of the OSCE, UN and EU in the field of human rights.  The delegation also made a field trip to Mary region to meet with the governor (Khyakim) and beneficiaries of the OSCE’s projects in the region.

 

---