Head of the Centre of OSCE in Ashkhabad Natalia Drozd stated that he departing year was successful with many results for the Centre despite restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 promises to be even more active, than the outgoing year.
The event brought together officials of the Turkmen government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and key national partner institutions as well as representatives of international organizations and embassies of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation accredited in Turkmenistan.
Opening the briefing, Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, stressed that the departing year was successful with many results for the Centre despite restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Success of our activities would not be possible without our national partners, and I would like to express sincere appreciation to the host government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all partner institutions for constructive co-operation and efficient support for our activities throughout the year,” said Drozd.
Representatives from the Centre briefed participants on its project activities throughout 2020, which focused on preventive diplomacy and border management, trade and transport facilitation and environmental protection, rule of law and media reform. .
The Centre’s initiatives on preventative measures related to the global COVID-19 health crisis and addressing its consequences across different spheres were also emphasized.
In 2021, the Centre will continue its essential projects and will launch a number of ground-breaking initiatives, including on strengthening cyber security and digitalization of customs procedures, developing e-commerce, attracting foreign investments, trial monitoring, as well as the interaction of state institutions with the public and media during pandemic and emergency situations.
The work of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat under the leadership of Natalya Drozd and its contribution to strengthening Turkmenistan’s co-operation with the OSCE was recognized with the state order Bitaraplyk’ (Neutrality) award presented by the Turkmen government to the Head of Centre, Natalya Drozd, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality celebrated on 12 December 2020.