The escalating tensions in the Middle East are heightening the risks to global and regional stability. Turkmenistan’s position on these issues was outlined by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in an interview during his visit to Austria. This was reported by Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

According to him, the visit to Austria confirmed the development of bilateral cooperation. The countries are cooperating in the fields of energy, transport, healthcare and the promotion of ‘green’ technologies. The role of cultural exchange was also highlighted.

During the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, proposals were put forward to strengthen energy security. These included the interdependence of state security, the depoliticisation of the energy sector and the expansion of international cooperation.

The interview paid particular attention to the situation in the Middle East. The Turkmen side expressed concern over a possible escalation and the risks of the use of weapons of mass destruction, which could affect the environment and the socio-economic situation in the region.

Turkmenistan’s position on the Caspian region was also highlighted. The inadmissibility of military activity contrary to the provisions of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which establishes it as a zone of peace and cooperation, was emphasised.

Turkmenistan consistently advocates the resolution of conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means and participates in international arms control initiatives.