Turkmenistan, CICA Discuss Expanding Cooperation on Regional Peace and Security
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting on March 17, 2026, with Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional security initiatives.
At the outset, the Turkmen side warmly welcomed Ambassador Sarybay and expressed appreciation for his participation in the International Forum held in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025. The forum marked the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and CICA. It was noted that Turkmenistan, which has held observer status in the organization since 2021, continues to actively support CICA’s objectives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and confidence-building measures across Asia.
The meeting placed particular emphasis on enhancing regional and interregional cooperation, including Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a permanent forum on security, peace, and development in Central Asia.
The two sides also explored promising areas of collaboration, including engagement with the Group of Friends of Neutrality, as well as cooperation in energy, transport, and environmental sectors. They further discussed the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Both parties underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and to strengthen cooperation in ensuring food security.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Turkmenistan and CICA reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing their partnership to promote sustainable peace, stability, and development across the region.
