OSCE discusses security with Turkmenistan

ASHKHABAD, June 3 (Itar-Tass) --The OSCE is ready to expand
cooperation with Turkmenistan in all security dimensions and support the
country in implementing its OSCE commitments, said the OSCE
Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis on
Thursday following talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov.
"The goal of my visit is to explore possibilities for further
cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, to support the country in
its economic and political regional initiatives, effectively addressing
transnational threats to security in cooperation with the international
community, and upholding its OSCE commitments, thereby increasing its
engagement in reforms," Azubailis said.
"Turkmenistan plays an important role in enhancing security in Central
Asia. I particularly welcome the active efforts of Turkmenistan in
maintaining a constructive political dialogue with Afghanistan's
authorities and other stakeholders," he added, stressing that strengthened
engagement with Afghanistan is a priority of the Lithuanian OSCE
Chairmanship.
"Given Turkmenistan's geographic position, the task of ensuring border
security is of special importance," Azubalis said. "The OSCE stands ready
to continue supporting border security initiatives and other projects, in
order to effectively contribute to the efforts of the international
community and active bilateral work of Turkmenistan to help eliminate
security threats stemming from outside its territory," he said.
Azubalis praised Turkmenistan's engagement in promoting the creation
of an international legal basis for energy security. "Defining the role of
the OSCE in the dialogue on energy security would add value to the ongoing
bilateral and multilateral activities of the Organization's participating
States, and is also a priority for our Chairmanship," Azubalis said.
"The OSCE, which unites energy-producing, consuming and transit
countries, has the potential to serve as a valuable forum for discussion
in this field. We therefore welcome Turkmenistan's initiative to host a
ministerial conference on energy security this year," he added.
Azubalis emphasized the need to build on what has been achieved in the
years of cooperation with the Organization and its Centre in Ashkhabad,
established in 1999, and to further expand the scope of work in jointly
identified areas, such as border security and management, energy security,
legislative reforms and addressing transnational threats.
Strengthening co-operation with civil society аnd media should be
promoted and safeguarded, according to Azubalis, as they are "important
channels of communication between the authorities and the people, and play
a vital role in promoting security."
Other areas of continued OSCE support include combating drug
trafficking, promoting gender equality, preventing human trafficking and
domestic violence and providing environmental information.
Azubalis also met with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid
Meredov, Chairperson of the Mejlis Akja Nurberdieva and civil society
partners.
The visit to Turkmenistan concluded Azubalis' trip to Central Asia.