Turkmenistan is a valuable partner for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in promoting dialogue, stability, and cooperation, and Central Asia is of strategic importance to the organization. This was stated by OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis following an official visit to Turkmenistan, the organization's press service reported.

"Central Asia is of strategic importance to the OSCE, and Turkmenistan is a valuable partner in promoting dialogue, stability and cooperation," Cassis said.

During the visit, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov. The parties discussed the long-standing cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, as well as opportunities to strengthen joint efforts across all three dimensions of the organization's security. Cassis also noted the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat's contribution to developing a constructive dialogue with the host country.

The Chairman-in-Office also met with staff of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, thanking them for their commitment to fulfilling the Organization's mandate in Turkmenistan and their contribution to cooperation with the country's authorities and civil society.

Cassis's visit to Turkmenistan was part of a regional trip to Azerbaijan, which also included a visit to Turkmenistan. His visits to Armenia and Georgia are planned for later this fall, the statement noted.