Europe considers Turkmen gas supplies for Europe - OSCE secretary general

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier had a meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and expressed interest in expanding and improving cooperation.

Zannier arrived in Ashkhabad for the conference on global integration of energy markets and energy security, Interfax reports.

The Turkmen president expressed readiness for active and open dialogue with the OSCE. He underlined cooperation for the sake of security of international supplies of energy carriers.

The OSCE secretary general underlined that Europe views Turkmenistan as a supplier of natural gas. He expressed support for the Turkmen policy of diversification.

The officials exchanged views on further development of partnership within the framework of priority spheres such as the socio-economic and humanitarian areas.

Settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan is an important aspect of cooperation.

Zannier believes that increase of energy supplies for Afghanistan is a significant initiative. Another positive aspect is construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.

The Turkmen presidential polls were a special topic for discussion. They will be held in February 2012 and the OSCE will be invited as an observer.

Berdimuhamedov said that improvement of cooperation with the OSCE is a priority for Turkmenistan.