Recent events in Central Asia indicate that the relationship between Turkmenistan and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has entered a new phase. During the November meeting in Ashgabat, the foreign ministers of the region's states met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid to discuss a wide range of topical issues.

This forum was another step in strengthening ties between neutral Turkmenistan and an influential international organization. Despite their different approaches, both sides demonstrate readiness for constructive dialog and search for compromises in the interests of maintaining stability in the region.

A number of recent events, including the opening of the new building of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag joining the Organization's initiatives, testify to the progressive nature of co-operation. New joint programs and projects in a wide range of areas - from energy security to human rights protection - lie ahead.

Ashgabat meeting of Central Asian and OSCE foreign ministers

On November 1, Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid in the capital of Turkmenistan, which was of great importance for strengthening regional cooperation.

During the talks, the diplomats discussed a wide range of topical issues, from border security and counterterrorism to ecology and transportation. Special attention was paid to finding ways to resolve the situation in Afghanistan, which is of key importance for stability in Central Asia.

At the end of the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to further strengthen co-operation and co-ordination of efforts. This constructive spirit opens up good prospects for the realization of new joint initiatives aimed at ensuring peace and security in the region.

Safety and stability in focus

One of the key topics of the November meeting in Ashgabat was the discussion of ways to ensure regional security and stability in Central Asia. This issue is of particular relevance in the current challenging geopolitical environment.

The participants emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in border protection, combating terrorism and transnational crime. Special attention was paid to environmental problems and issues of sustainable development in the region. 

As a result of the discussion, emphasis was placed on the need to develop a comprehensive approach to ensuring stability in Central Asia under the co-ordinating role of the OSCE. The participants confirmed their readiness for further joint efforts in this direction.

Concrete steps to address pressing issues

The November talks in Ashgabat focused on issues such as border security, the environment, and transportation. These topics are of great practical importance for increasing stability in the Central Asian region.

The participants discussed concrete measures to strengthen border security, prevent illegal migration and smuggling. In the environmental sphere, they discussed joint efforts to combat environmental pollution and the effects of climate change. Special attention was paid to optimizing transport corridors and increasing the transit potential of the region.

As a result of the discussion, plans were outlined for further cooperation in these areas to develop comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the region.

Turkmenistan's neutrality as a factor of stability in the region

Turkmenistan's policy of positive neutrality plays an important role in maintaining stability in Central Asia. Committed to the status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan has consistently pursued a balanced foreign policy aimed at consolidating peace and cooperation in the region. 

This constructive line creates favorable prerequisites for establishing dialogue and finding compromises to solve existing security problems. The position of neutrality makes an important contribution to stability in Central Asia.

Turkmenistan's energy potential as a factor of stability

The issue of energy security is of strategic importance for ensuring stability in Central Asia.

As one of the largest producers and exporters of natural gas in the world, Turkmenistan plays a key role in maintaining energy security in the region. The implementation of projects such as the construction of gas pipelines increases the reliability of energy supplies and contributes to economic development.

Turkmenistan's energy potential is an important factor of stability and predictability in the region's energy markets. Its utilization is in the interests of all Central Asian states.

Human rights in the focus of interaction between Turkmenistan and the OSCE

The issues of respect for human rights and democratic freedoms have traditionally been at the center of the OSCE's attention. This topic was also touched upon during the talks in Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan gives priority attention to the protection of human rights and democratic principles. The country's leadership expresses its readiness to continue constructive co-operation with the OSCE in this area.

All parties to the forum agreed that respect for human rights is a fundamental basis for the stable and sustainable development of society. Further strengthening of co-operation in this area is in the interests of both Turkmenistan and the OSCE.

From words to deeds: implementation of joint projects

The positive results of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the implementation of specific programs and projects in various areas should be separately emphasized. 

In particular, we note the successful joint initiatives of Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the areas of energy security, transportation logistics and environmental protection. A number of cities in Turkmenistan have already joined OSCE environmental programs.

This practical work shows that there is good potential for further expansion of cooperation. The realization of new promising projects will contribute to stability and well-being in the Central Asian region.

Dialogue at the highest level

Regular summit meetings between the leadership of the two sides play an important role in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the OSCE.

Thus, this summer, during the visit of OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid to Ashgabat, she held talks with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The sides discussed key areas of interaction, including the political dimension, energy security, transportation and the environment. Special attention was paid to the OSCE's role in maintaining stability in Central Asia.

Such exchange of views at the highest level contributes to the deepening of mutual understanding between the parties and the realization of plans for further strategic partnership.

A new platform for cooperation

An important event in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the OSCE was the opening of the new building of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat this summer.

This modern building was created specifically for the needs of the Organization and is designed to provide all conditions for efficient work. Its inauguration during the visit of OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid is of symbolic significance.

The new Office of the OSCE Centre expands the Organization's capacity to implement projects and programmes of co-operation with Turkmenistan in various areas. This is an important step in the development of practical co-operation.

Thus, the opening of the new building is a positive signal indicating the strengthening of relations between the parties and their interest in expanding cooperation.

The environmental dimension of cooperation

An important aspect of the interaction between Turkmenistan and the OSCE is cooperation in the field of ecology and environmental protection.

In particular, a number of cities in Turkmenistan, including the smart city of Arkadag, have joined OSCE initiatives on the development of green cities and the introduction of environmentally friendly solutions in urban planning. This fact is confirmed by a special Certificate of Accession of the city of Arkadag to the project "Development of Sustainable, Green, Climate Friendly Cities with Innovative Solutions in the OSCE Region", which was presented to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov by OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid in June this year. In addition, another "green" "EcoPorts" certificate was awarded to the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port.

These are concrete examples of mutually beneficial partnership aimed at solving urgent problems of sustainable development and combating climate change. Participation in such initiatives demonstrates Turkmenistan's commitment to the green economy.

Thus, the environmental agenda is becoming another promising area of co-operation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE.

Parliamentary dimension of the partnership

The development of inter-parliamentary co-operation plays an important role in strengthening ties between Turkmenistan and the OSCE.

In particular, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan is actively cooperating with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, including through joint events. For example, a conference on the role of neutral States in strengthening security was organized in Ashgabat.

Such initiatives contribute to building confidence and mutual understanding among OSCE participating States at the parliamentary level. The development of inter-parliamentary ties opens up additional opportunities for enhanced co-operation.

In conclusion, it can be stated that relations between Turkmenistan and the OSCE are experiencing a period of positive dynamics and reaching a new level of interaction. 

Despite certain differences in approaches, both sides have demonstrated interest in constructive dialog and finding common ground on key regional issues. This creates a good basis for further deepening of cooperation.

A number of successfully implemented programs and projects confirm the potential for practical cooperation in various fields, from energy to ecology. Expansion of such cooperation is in the interest of strengthening stability and security in Central Asia.

Thus, the current trends allow us to speak about the formation of a full-fledged strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the OSCE for the benefit of the prosperity of the region.