OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 10 October 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, concluded his visit to Turkmenistan yesterday. Throughout his meetings, he discussed ongoing challenges in the OSCE region and the more effective use of OSCE tools in supporting Turkmenistan’s reform path.

In Ashgabat, Chairman Osmani met President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Their discussion focused on the ongoing challenges in the region, such as border management, energy security and climate change, as well as Turkmenistan’s reform agenda. These issues were also discussed at the meeting with the Chairperson of Mejlis (the Parliament), Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov.  

“I encouraged the continuous use of the proven and valuable expertise and support offered by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat,” said Chairman Osmani. “This co-operation is important for further advancement of Turkmenistan’s reform agenda, particularly in the areas of good governance, border security management, environmental protection and women’s empowerment.”

“As hosts of the oldest standing OSCE field operation, I can speak from our own experience and send a message to Turkmenistan that these positive results are only possible when there is strong support from the government. There cannot be significant reform without a clear political will and genuine commitment,” highlighted Osmani.

During the visit, Chairman Osmani also met with civil society representatives, visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and met with OSCE staff.

He expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan’s authorities for the designation of new premises of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat provided by the Government of Turkmenistan, free for use. “The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and the important work done by its able team is evidence of the added value the OSCE brings to the field,” stated Osmani.