Turkmenistan military officials visit UK to review small arms and light weapons and stockpile management practices

ASHGABAT, 18 November 2011 – Four representatives of Turkmenistan's Presidential Administration and the Ministry of Defence participated in a five-day study visit to the United Kingdom that concluded in London today.

The visit provided the military and emergency officials with the opportunity to learn new and applied practices for physical security and stockpile management of small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition in the UK.

The participants visited several weapons and ammunition storage and destruction sites, and discussed efficient stockpile management and incidence response, including storage and rotation, registration and issuing procedures, periodic checking routines and responses to incidents such as storage facility intrusion, loss and damage of arms, and fire and explosions at ammunition depots.

"The OSCE participating States have extensive and valuable experience in small arms and light weapons management and safe storage procedures. Projects to exchange information and experiences between the host country and other participating States are of particular importance to the Centre in Ashgabat," said Ambassador Sergei Belyaev, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“The OSCE will continue providing technical assistance and training opportunities for Turkmenistan to enhance security, safety and management of small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition.”

The study visit was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the Joint Arms Control Implementation Group of the UK Ministry of Defence and the British Embassy in Ashgabat.