OSCE promotes best practices in maritime security in Turkmenistan

TURKMENBASHI, Turkmenistan, 13 September 2013 –An OSCE-supported training course on maritime border management concluded in the Caspian coast town of Turkmenbashi today.

The five-day training course organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat brought together 20 officers representing law-enforcement agencies and navy forces of the Defence Ministry of Turkmenistan as well as students of the Navy Institute.

Two international experts presented maritime security policies and shared best practices related to port security procedures, inspection of marine vessels, as well as  passport and cargo control procedures at maritime border crossing points.

Participants discussed anti-terrorism operations on maritime borders and interagency collaboration at the maritime border crossing points. “Enhancing maritime security is essential not only for national security, but also for economic stability and prosperity in the country and the region,” said Christopher Hornek, the Project Co-ordinator of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“This training course is part of the OSCE Centre’s multi-faceted activities aimed at advancing national border control procedures. The Centre remains committed to continuing its support to the host government in this area.”

The training course in Turkmenbashi will be followed by a similar course in Ashgabat next week.