OREANDA-NEWS. March 28, 2011. A seminar was organized under the Strengthening the National Capacity of Turkmenistan to Promote and Protect Human Rights Project implemented jointly by the UN Development Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly with the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan in the President Hotel in Ashgabat.

The seminar brought together representatives of the ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, the members of the Interagency Commission and EU/UNDP/OHCHR experts Ms. Natalie Rondo and Mr. Koen Marquering.

The seminar participants noted that the foreign policy strategy initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was aimed at intensifying international cooperation and a constructive dialogue with foreign partners, including the major international organisations. The Turkmen leader’s open door policy, commitment to the international obligations and implementation of universally recognized norms and recommendations of the UN treaty bodies in the national legislation testified to the peacemaking role of our country in the system of international relations.

In this context priority significance was attached collaboration in the sphere of protection of human rights and freedoms, the study and application of best international practices in the national law enforcement practice.

The seminar participants emphasized that the opening of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva in the Swiss Confederation illustrated the growing prestige of our country in the world political arena and recognition of the progressive constructive policy pursued by the Turkmen leader.

The overviews of the international practices and methods for establishing the relevant procedures and providing mandates presented by the international experts and the visits of the special consultants were discussed during the seminar.

Underlining the productivity and effectiveness of this meeting, the participants called for further enhancement of effective collaboration in this sphere.