Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct.30
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
Regional security issues has been discussed during a meeting held with NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia Alexander Vinnikov at Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry, a message from the government of Turkmenistan said on Oct.30.
"The sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and NATO under the Partnership for Peace and the Science for Peace and Security programs, as well as regional security issues of mutual interest," the message said.
Turkmenistan's military doctrine envisages sufficiency in the defense sphere, the policy of positive neutrality and refusal to participate in military-political blocs.
Turkmenistan cooperates with NATO under a long-term program that aims to assist the country in resolving environmental problems and protecting public health.
Turkmenistan has a long border with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries regularly host events in the border security sphere under the auspices of the UN. The possible consequence of reducing the international forces for ensuring regional security in Afghanistan has become one of the key issues.
A large-scale project that would see the construction of a gas pipeline to India and Pakistan for the supply of Turkmen gas is related to Afghan territory. Observers believe that its implementation could contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, since it will create jobs and provide the country with a guaranteed income for transit.
Turkmenistan previously expressed readiness to offer its political space for holding inter-Afghan peace dialogue under the auspices of the UN.
Edited by CN