US discussing in Ashgabat regional security issues, situation in Afghanistan

KABUL (Agencies): The Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) is holding a seminar in Ashgabat on US security policy in South and Central Asia, Trend reports with reference to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The event is being held with the assistance of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. Representatives of the ministries of defense, national security and the state border service of Turkmenistan are also taking part in the seminar.

During the seminar, which will continue its work until May 3, such issues as the analysis of US security interests in Central and South Asia, the situation in Afghanistan, fight against radicalization and extremism, as well as the general situation in the region, will be discussed, the report said.

NESA was established in 2000 and is a US Department of Defense institution.

Earlier, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with the delegation of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency under the US Department of Defense.

The parties discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the field of security and the exchange of ideas regarding the management of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergency cases, disaster response as a result of man-made and natural disasters, as well as problems associated with weapons of mass destruction.

Turkmenistan, having the status of positive neutrality, has a long border with Afghanistan and has repeatedly offered to hold talks in Ashgabat under the auspices of the UN to restore peace in the neighboring state.

A large-scale project to lay gas pipeline to India and Pakistan for the supply of Turkmen gas is also related to the territory of Afghanistan, where unstable situation has remained for a long time. Observers believe that the implementation of this project may contribute to the restoration of Afghanistan, as it will allow creating jobs and provide the country with guaranteed income from transit.