Turkmenistan and the OSCE are implementing 37 projects in various fields in 2024. The statement was made by the head of the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, during a meeting of the Turkmen government, the state news agency "Turkmenportal" reports.
He also presented the working plan of cooperation between Ashgabat and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the year 2024.
According to him, efforts are underway to organize the visit of the OSCE Secretary-General to Turkmenistan in March of this year, as well as to hold a high-level meeting of the heads of environmental ministries of Central Asian countries in Ashgabat during this visit.
In collaboration with the OSCE Center in Ashgabat and relevant government bodies, a Project Plan scheduled for implementation in 2024 has been prepared.
This year, 37 new projects were planned in three areas:
- Political: strengthening peace and security, developing preventive diplomacy, countering contemporary challenges and threats.
- Economic and environmental: addressing issues related to economic development, regional cooperation, energy efficiency, environmental safety, and climate change.
- Humanitarian: science and education, human rights and freedoms, democratic institutions, gender equality, statelessness, media development, and more.
President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding cooperation with major international organizations, considering them a priority in the country's political activities. He instructed Vice Prime Minister Meredov to continue developing this constructive partnership.
Ashgabat's cooperation with international organizations
In 2023, Turkmenistan actively engaged with the OSCE and other international organizations for economic assistance and support in implementing reforms.
In particular, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe assisted in drafting a new version of Turkmenistan's Customs Code in accordance with international standards.
Assistance was provided in training Turkmen customs officials in advanced customs control methods and cargo documentation.
The European Union allocated a grant of €1.5 million for implementing a program to diversify the Turkmen economy, especially in developing the private sector in tourism and traditional crafts.
The EU also committed to investing €10 billion in the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
The World Bank approved a loan of $100 million for the modernization of water supply and sanitation systems in Turkmen cities, aimed at implementing energy-efficient technologies.
In addition, Ashgabat received technical assistance from the UN Development Program to enhance the national social protection system in line with sustainable development goals.
Thus, international organizations are making a tangible contribution to economic reforms, economic diversification, and improving living standards in Turkmenistan.
The OSCE Center has been operating in Ashgabat since 1999, and within its framework, more than 500 joint projects have been implemented over the past 25 years.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 26, 2024