OSCE Secretary General and Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan open new OSCE Centre’s premises in Ashgabat

OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, and Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiyev cut the symbolic ribbon at the opening of the new premises of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, 01 June 2023. (OSCE) Photo details

On 1 June 2023, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, who is on an official visit to Turkmenistan, and Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiyev cut the symbolic ribbon opening the new premises of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat provided by the Government of Turkmenistan free for use.

Representatives of foreign embassies and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan as well as national and international media joined the ceremony.

In her speech at the inauguration, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid said:

"With the designation of this building the OSCE Centre will be able to better meet its needs and tasks under its mandate, so we look forward to continuing to support Turkmenistan on strengthening border management, regional connectivity, environmental protection, and women's empowerment."

"The new building of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat marks a significant contribution to our partnership and the promotion of our common values and objectives," said Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiyev.

John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan's authorities for the designation of the premises.

"This is evidence of the host country's good will and commitment to co-operation with the OSCE," he said.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat was established in 1999 to assist Turkmenistan in implementing its OSCE commitments across three dimensions of security.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat Turkmenistan