Prospects for the development of mutually beneficial partnership were the main topic of discussion at the meeting between National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Ms. Helga Schmid, who arrived in our country on a visit.
Expressing sincere gratitude for finding time for the meeting, the head of OSCE pointed out the high interest of the organization in strengthening a fruitful dialogue with neutral Turkmenistan, which pursues the constructive policy and makes a significant contribution to maintaining peace, security and stability in the regional and global dimensions.
National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that he regards the visit as an important stage that will contribute to the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
As was highlighted, the program of the OSCE head’s visit in our country includes significant events, in particular, meetings and the opening ceremony of a new building of the Organization in Ashgabat.
Congratulating on this event, the Hero Arkadag stressed that independent Turkmenistan consistently pursues its foreign policy, being committed to its legal status of permanent neutrality, twice recognized by the UN General Assembly.
“We attach great importance to cooperation with foreign partners, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other major international organizations”, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued.
Confirming the importance of further consolidation of efforts within the Organization, strengthening mutual understanding and trust between states, improving the people’s economic and social conditions, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the role of OSCE as an effective platform for a political dialogue on a wide range of issues.
It was specified that at present relations between our country and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are developing in a programme-based manner. In recent years, they have been supplemented by inter-parliamentary cooperation. In this regard, the successful holding by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Organization’s Parliamentary Assembly of the International Conference “The Role of Neutral States in Strengthening Security, Stability and Dialogue in the OSCE Region” was mentioned.
As was emphasized, the security issues in the region are especially highlighted on the cooperation agenda. In this context, the commitment of Turkmenistan to further close partnership with OSCE was expressed.
The need to implement measures in specific areas was pointed out, including in ensuring the safe and reliable supply of energy resources to world markets, creating conditions for sustainable economic development, enhancing transport potential, protecting the environment, and planning the rational use of water resources.
During the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people specified that awarding the certificate of accession to the Project “Development of sustainable, green, climate-friendly cities with innovative solutions in the region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe” and the certificate “EcoPorts” to the International Seaport of Turkmenbashy have provided convincing evidence of the effective activities of Turkmenistan and OSCE in the field of ecology.
Today, the Turkmenbashy International Seaport, built on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, provides a wide range of modern services to enhance trade links between East and West. The innovative port complex, which provides direct trade and communications access from Asia to Europe, is a strategically important facility aimed at realizing common interests. Turkmenistan consistently develops international partnership in the field of transport and transit fright traffic.
During the meeting there was also discussion on the city of Arkadag, built thanks to the initiatives of the Hero Arkadag in one of the beautiful sites in the foothills of the Kopetdag. As was emphasized, the unique for the region “smart city” has all modern amenities for comfortable life and work, and most importantly, it fully meets ecological standards and harmoniously fits into the environment.
The construction of the city in a picturesque place with clean mountain air indicates that all optimal conditions for adequate life and work are provided for. The Hero Arkadag noted that Akhalteke horses, the pride of the Turkmen people, were bred in this very place.
The parties stressed that great importance is attached in bilateral relations to the protection of human rights, the development of democracy and the strengthening of gender equality.
Expressing readiness to expand the constructive dialogue with OSCE in order to maintain peace and development in the region and around the world, the National Leader of the Turkmen people wished Ms. Helga Schmid sound health, happiness and success in her responsible work.
Expressing appreciation to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for paying attention to the issues of partnership with OSCE, and emphasizing that it is a great honor for her to be in Turkmenistan, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Ms. Helga Schmid assured that, for her part, she will in full force contribute to the further development of a long-term trust-based partnership.
