Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 11
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
The Turkmen-German political consultations were held in Ashgabat. The global and regional problems, the situation in Afghanistan and other issues of mutual interest were discussed as part of these consultations, the Turkmen government said.
A delegation of the German Foreign Office was represented by the foreign office's special envoy for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, Cord Meier-Klodt.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of bilateral relations, including those within the "Turkmenistan-EU" format, as well as the cooperation issues as part of the international organizations.
The regular Turkmen-German contacts at various levels demonstrate the sides' striving for consistent development of the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries in almost all areas of cooperation, a governmental statement says.
Turkmenistan has a long border with Afghanistan. The border security events under the auspices of the UN are regularly conducted in the capitals of Central Asian countries. The possible consequences of reducing the international ISAF forces in Afghanistan for regional security are one of the key issues.
During the fourth foreign ministerial conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in November this year, a Turkmen delegation announced that Turkmenistan is ready, if necessary, to deliver the country's political space for peace talks between all constructive and responsible forces of Afghanistan.
Ashgabat believes that another important issue is the restoration and development of the economic and social sphere in the country. It is difficult to talk about stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan without solving this issue.
A large-scale project for laying a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to India and Pakistan is connected with the territory of Afghanistan. The observers believe that its realization could contribute to the restoration of Afghanistan, as new jobs can be provided.
Ashgabat supplies electric power to the neighboring country and lays the rail tracks upon the concessional terms.