President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov called on the countries of Central Asia to take measures so that the region remains a zone of stability and trust.
The Head of State stated this while speaking at the 4th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the Kyrgyz city of Cholpon-Ata.
The President of Turkmenistan noted that at present, a key issue has arisen with all its urgency - ensuring security, since there are threats that manifest themselves in different forms and under different circumstances.
According to the head of state, these are attempts to destabilize the internal political situation in the states of the region, attempts to penetrate Central Asia by extremist and radical elements, the terrorist threat, drug trafficking, other types of illegal activities, as well as the possible negative impact on the situation in Central Asia of the consequences of military-political conflicts taking place in relative proximity to the borders of the region.
In addition, the Turkmen leader, among the threats to the region, called the illegal use of information technology, the imposition from outside of ideas and attitudes that run counter to the historical traditions of the peoples of Central Asia.
“The listed challenges require the adoption of effective measures to create a strong and long-term security system in the region, neutralize potential threats that could hinder or slow down our progress. Together we must make sure that Central Asia remains a zone of stability and trust, not subject to risks for peace and development”, the President of Turkmenistan noted.
In this regard, he called on the countries of the region to intensify and strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation, and entrust the coordination of this work to the foreign ministries of the countries of the region through the mechanism of five-party regular consultations.
“I propose to instruct the foreign ministries of the Central Asian states to develop a Roadmap for the entire spectrum of the security agenda for the next two years, with the participation of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia”, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.
