AKIPRESS.COM - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit, on November 10.

The minister noted the importance of this visit for intensifying cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE. It was stated that Turkmenistan, along with other international organizations, effectively interacts with OSCE institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly, the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media.

The regular participation of the ODIHR mission to assess the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkmenistan was noted, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan said.

The parties considered the possibilities of intensifying interaction between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in assistance in legislative activities, support for the office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, strengthening electoral processes, promoting media freedom and access to information, as well as further cooperation in the field of human rights.

The ODIHR OSCE Director also held meetings with the Chairman of the Parliament, heads of the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan.