ASHGABAT, 5 August 2026 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, has concluded his official visit to Turkmenistan, where he met with the country's leadership to reaffirm the OSCE's strong partnership with Turkmenistan and discuss ways to further deepen co-operation in support of comprehensive security.

During the visit, Chairman-in-Office Cassis held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov.

The discussions focused on the long-standing co-operation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan and explored opportunities to strengthen joint efforts across all three dimensions of security. The Chairman-in-Office also highlighted the important contribution of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat towards a constructive and trust-based co-operation and dialogue with the host country.

"Central Asia is of strategic importance to the OSCE, and Turkmenistan is a valued partner to promote dialogue, stability and co-operation. The growing geopolitical challenges strengthen the need for the OSCE as platform bringing together all participating States to foster trust across our region and beyond," said Chairman-in-Office Cassis.

As part of his visit, he also met with staff at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and thanked them for their dedication and continued commitment in implementing the Organization's mandate in Turkmenistan and their contribution to a fruitful co-operation with authorities and civil society.

Following his visits to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the Chairman-in-Office will continue his regional engagement, with visits to Armenia and Georgia planned for later this autumn.