OSCE lecture сourse addresses neutrality, preventive diplomacy and negotiation in Turkmenistan
OSCE early warning and conflict prevention instruments were discussed at a lecture course organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat to mark the forthcoming International Neutrality Day.
The Centre organized the lecture-course for 100 students and faculty from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and International University for Humanities and Development. The four-day course aimed to promote OSCE early warning, conflict prevention and conflict resolution instruments as well as enhance the knowledge and negotiation skills of future diplomats.
Opening the lecture course, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “Neutral Turkmenistan remains committed to regional and international co-operation to make a positive impact in various areas.”
He also added: “You, as future diplomats, will be better able to help your country achieve further benefit from its permanent, positive neutrality and continue actively promoting peace, security, and contributing to stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond.”
The first day of the lecture course was delivered by Ambassador MacGregor who shared personal experience of work in OSCE field operations during fifteen years. In his presentation, MacGregor placed special emphasis on the OSCE capacity in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution.
Dr. Sami Faltas from the Netherlands focused on the role of neutrality status in the modern world and stressed the importance of lessons from the European history. Students also learnt about quiet diplomacy and diplomatic negotiation and exchanged views on interdependence, peace and security in an era of globalization.