UNIPATH STAFF
AU.S. delegation led by David Mount of United States Central Command’s (CENTCOM) program to curb proliferation of weapons of mass destruction visited Turkmenistan in early 2020.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss cooperation in preventing the proliferation of nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological weapons. CENTCOM has conducted anti-WMD simulations with several of its security partners in the Middle East and Central Asia, including detection, removal and disposal of chemical agents by teams of emergency personnel.
The CENTCOM meeting was one of several recent efforts aimed at improving relations between the U.S. and Turkmenistan. Areas of mutual interest include Turkmenistan’s sponsorship of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline.
As part of the international C5+1 cooperation framework, which serves as a platform for tackling common challenges between the U.S. and the five Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan has voiced support for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
In a February 2020 meeting of C5+1 leaders in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Turkmen Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed on a number of infrastructure improvements, such as TAPI and an electric transmission line that would contribute to Afghanistan’s economic well-being.
Sources: Turkmenportal, Ritm Eurasia, Trend.az