OSCE-supported conference in Ashgabat discusses energy co-operation in Central Asia

ASHGABAT, 4 May 2010 - Energy co-operation in Central Asia and the design of a legal framework for reliable and stable energy flows in the region was the focus of a two-day OSCE-supported conference that concluded today in Ashgabat.

The conference, co-hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in co-operation with the Office of the OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities, brought together 85 participants from 26 OSCE participating States and two OSCE Partners for Co-operation.

The participants - representatives from international organizations and major energy companies as well as energy experts discussed opportunities for regional energy co-operation, including the development of a legal energy framework acceptable to producer, transit and consumer countries.

OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut commended Turkmenistan for its facilitating role for co-operation in Central Asia and said that the conference's focus on bolstering a legal framework was appropriate.

"It is vital to develop stronger international governance for global energy supply on the basis of clearly identified legal norms and mechanisms. We all recognize that this process will take time, and that it is important that the requisite expertise and will is gathered from all actors to move forward," he said.

"Balanced and fair rules in the energy sector are as vital as they are in any other part of the economy. Equally, energy co-operation should be driven by a balanced approach - taking into account the interests of production and development, transportation and consumption. Transparency and predictability are vital at every stage of the energy chain."

Baymyrat Hojamuhammedov, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan noted Turkmenistan's contribution towards these goals:

"Turkmenistan initiated a resolution at the 63th UN General Assembly Session 2008 that called for a stable and reliable transit of energy to the world markets," he said, adding that the conference in Ashgabat contributed to work to fulfil that resolution.