The current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, described Turkmenistan as a valuable partner for the organisation in strengthening dialogue, stability and cooperation. He made this statement following an official visit to the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal.

During his visit, Ignazio Cassis held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. The parties discussed cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation across the organisation’s three security pillars.

The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the role of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in fostering constructive dialogue with Turkmenistan. He met with staff at the centre and expressed his appreciation for their work in implementing the organisation’s mandate and developing engagement with state institutions and civil society.

The visit to Turkmenistan formed part of Ignazio Cassis’s regional tour. He had previously visited Azerbaijan and plans to visit Armenia and Georgia in the autumn.