OSCE Centre in Ashgabat celebrates its 15th anniversary

A ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat took place on 5 March 2014.

Established in 1999, the Centre in Ashgabat has been assisting Turkmenistan in implementing its OSCE commitments in the politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimensions of security.

“Since its establishment, the activities of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat have significantly expanded in variety and scope. While designing our projects, we are guided by the concrete needs of the host country whereby taking into account OSCE principles and goals,” said Ambassador Ivo Petrov, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in his welcoming address. “We strive to achieve lasting results that Turkmenistan will benefit from for many years ahead.”

A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan stressed the importance of co-operation with the OSCE, especially in areas such as energy security, border management and media development. The fact that the anniversary year is marked by a record number or projects planned for the implementation by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan is indicative that co-operation between the two has broad prospects, the representative said.

Promoting energy security and strengthening border management, enhancing the safety of stocks of small arms and light weapons and supporting legal reforms, as well as assisting in water resources management and raising awareness international human rights standards are among the priority areas of the Centre’s activities.

In recent years, the Centre initiated a number of new projects addressing issues such as maritime and aviation security, advancing the penitentiary system and modernizing media legislation.

“Over the fifteen years, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has closely co-operated with the Government of Turkmenistan, and I am pleased with Turkmenistan’s increased interest and engagement in the Organization’s activities,” Petrov added.

The Centre has also developed successful co-operation with the country’s civil society groups on areas such as raising environmental awareness, promoting gender equality and preventing domestic violence.

“We expect the anniversary year to give new impetus to our constructive dialogue with the host Government and we look forward to continuing and expanding our co-operation for the benefit of the country and Organization.”