Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Helga Maria Schmid went on a tour of the countries of Central Asia. From May 31 to June 8, she will visit Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the OSCE press service reported.
“For over 30 years, the five Central Asian states have played a key role in the OSCE. After visiting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan last year, I look forward to seeing you in Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the coming days, starting today in Ashgabat,” Schmid tweeted on May 31.
As part of the trip, meetings will be held with high-ranking government officials, parliamentarians and civil society of three country.
In particular, in Ashgabat, Helga Schmid met with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vepa Khadzhiev, with whom she took part in the opening of a new office of the OSCE Center. Then the head of the OSCE talked with the Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, the main topics of conversation with which were issues of social protection, respect for women's rights and empowerment.
The program of the visit includes meetings with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Mejlis (Parliament) Dunyagozel Gulmanova.
In Kyrgyzstan, the OSCE Secretary General will hold talks with President Sadyr Zhaparov, Prime Minister Akylbek Zhaparov, Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev and others. Schmid will visit the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and interact with its staff and students.
In Kazakhstan, the head of the OSCE will be received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Schmid will also meet with Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbaev, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, OSCE local missions and civil society representatives.
On June 1, the authorities of Turkmenistan, together with the head of the OSCE, took part in the opening of a new OSCE office in Ashgabat, which was transferred to the OSCE Office in Turkmenistan free of charge.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 2, 2023