NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

NATO and Turkmenistan actively cooperate in security-related, science and environmental issues and other areas. An Individual Partnership Programme (IPP) lays out the programme of cooperation between NATO and Turkmenistan.

Framework for cooperation

Regular political dialogue takes place within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). In addition, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Ambassador Robert F. Simmons, conducts high-level political dialogue with Turkmen authorities through regular visits to the country. The NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia also visits Ashgabat regularly and reviews cooperation with the government.

NATO and Turkmenistan are developing practical cooperation in a number of areas through the country’s Individual Partnership Programme (IPP). Turkmenistan’s cooperation with NATO aims at introducing and familiarizing Turkmen personnel with NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) issues, as well as enhancing deepening cooperation in areas such as border control and security, civil emergency planning, and defence planning. Turkmenistan is also participating actively in the NATO-Russia Council pilot project on counter-narcotics training for Afghan and Central Asian personnel.

Key areas of cooperation

Security cooperation

Based on its policy of constant neutrality, Turkmenistan does not offer any armed forces units or infrastructure in the context of NATO-led operations. However, Turkmenistan is prepared to contribute, on a case-by-case basis, to disaster relief, humanitarian and search and rescue operations.

Every year, officials from Turkmenistan’s armed forces participate in a range of courses provided by NATO and NATO member states. Topics covered include arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, the law of armed conflicts, courses aimed at  familiarizing officers with combating terrorism techniques and illegal trafficking issues, border security and control, defence planning and budgeting, language training, medical services and other areas.

Civil emergency planning

Civil emergency planning and disaster-relief coordination are key areas of cooperation. Turkmenistan is developing its civil response capacity for natural and man-made emergency situations in consultation with the Allies, it is also working to prepare Turkmenistan’s units to contribute to international disaster relief operations.  This includes updating planning procedures and organization methods for rescue operations.

Science and environment

Under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Turkmenistan has received grant awards for over 8 cooperative projects for scientific and environmental collaboration.

Collaborative projects include studies into radiological risks in Central Asia, and oil spill risk prevention and pollution in the South Caspian Sea.

Turkmenistan participates in the Virtual Silk Highway project, which aims to improve internet access for academics and research communities in the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia through a satellite-based network.

Evolution of relations

NATO-Turkmenistan relations began in 1992, when the country joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (later replaced by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, EAPC, in 1997). Relations further developed in 1994, when Turkmenistan joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Through this framework, cooperative initiatives have expanded to include a range of activities in which the aims of NATO and Turkmenistan coincide.

Key milestones