Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, July 18 / Trend H.Hasanov /
The Security Council reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the United Nations to facilitate dialogue between the countries of Central Asia on regional issues of common concern, including water and energy management, counter-terrorism and sustainable development.
In a statement read to the press by Ambassador Peter Wittig of Germany, which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month, the 15-member body voiced its appreciation for the efforts of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) over the past six months, the UN News Centre reported.
"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the Regional Centre to facilitate dialogue and assist the Governments of Central Asia on regional issues of their common concern," the statement said.
Set up in 2007, the Centre works to help the five governments in the region - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - to increase their capacities to peacefully prevent conflict, facilitate dialogue and respond to cross-border threats and challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking and environmental degradation.
The Centre is located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and is headed by Miroslav Jenca, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, who briefed the Council today in a closed-door meeting on its work.