Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, April 15
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
The regional security issues were discussed during the meeting with the NATO officer for interaction with the countries of Central Asia, Alexander Vinnikov at the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.
The sides discussed the state of bilateral relations, implemented under the program " Partnership for Peace "and" Science for Peace and Security, "cooperation opportunity for further strengthening of practical cooperation as well as regional security issues of mutual interest," the ministry's report said.
A military doctrine, the essence of which remains unchanged in recent years - defense sufficiency, policy of positive neutrality and refusal to participate in any military-political blocs was approved in Turkmenistan.
The cooperation with NATO is conducted exclusively in a long-term program, which aims to help the country to solve problems in the environment and protect public health.
Turkmenistan has a long border with Afghanistan and Central Asian capitals regularly conduct activities in the field of border security under the auspices of the UN. One of the key issues is the possible consequences of reducing the international forces in Afghanistan on regional security.
Under the auspices of the UN, regular events are held in the Central Asian countries` capitals on border security. One of the key issues of discussion includes the possible outcome of the reduction of international forces in Afghanistan pertaining to the situation in the field of border security.
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.
Earlier, Ashgabat expressed his willingness to provide its political space for UN-Afghan peace dialogue.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by C.N.