The OSCE opened a new building in Ashgabat today. The opening ceremony was attended by OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid and Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Vepa Hajiev, as well as ambassadors of a number of foreign states and representatives of international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan.

The OSCE Secretary General and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan cut the symbolic ribbon, opening the new OSCE building in Ashgabat, provided by the government of Turkmenistan for free use.

In her speech at the building's inauguration, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid said:

“With the acquisition of this building, the OSCE Center will be able to perform its functions and tasks even better in accordance with its mandate, therefore we intend to continue to provide assistance to Turkmenistan, including in issues such as border management, strengthening regional connectivity, environmental protection and empowerment and opportunities for women.

“The new building of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat marks a significant contribution to our partnership and the promotion of our shared values and goals,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiev.

John McGregor, head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for providing the premises.

“This shows the goodwill of the host country and its commitment to cooperating with the OSCE,” he said.

The OSCE Center in Ashgabat was established in 1999 to assist Turkmenistan in fulfilling its OSCE commitments in the three dimensions of security.