ASHGABAT -- Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office Miroslav Lajčák emphasised the strategic importance of Central Asia for Eurasian security during his visit Tuesday (May 21) to Turkmenistan.
"Turkmenistan has served as the crossroads of civilisations. So, it makes perfect sense that it should play a pivotal role ... in bringing actors, neighbours and states together," Lajčák was quoted as saying in an OSCE statement. He praised Turkmenistan for hosting both the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
Lajčák received "positive messages on regional co-operation and dialogue, including with Afghanistan," during meetings with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Mejlis (parliament) Chairwoman Gulshat Mammedova, the OSCE said.
The OSCE and Turkmenistan still have room for more co-operation in "rule of law, connectivity, good governance and energy security," Lajčák said.
