Martin Sajdik, representative of the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy, paid a working visit to Ashgabat. The main purpose of the trip was to prepare a cooperation agreement between this organisation and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

During his visit, the Diplomat visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Carpet Museum, the ‘Köne Nusaý’ Historical and Cultural Centre, and the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Sports Complex.

The central event of the programme was a meeting with teachers and students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Rector of the university, Gulshat Yusupova, gave an introductory speech about the purpose of the guest's visit. The meeting took the form of a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session in English.

Martin Sajdik also met with staff from the Institute's Scientific Centre for Strategic Studies. The meeting was attended by the Head of the centre, Ambassador Shiri Shiriyev, as well as specialists B. Amansaryev and O. Annabayev. The parties discussed current issues of international and regional politics.

During the conversation, the Diplomat noted that qualities such as objectivity, impartiality, empathy and patience are important for work in the field of international conflict resolution.

Following the meetings, the parties expressed interest in developing cooperation between the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.