Azernews.Az

The cadets at the Navy Institute of the Turkmen Defense Ministry attended an OSCE-organized course on maritime border security and port management procedures and mechanisms that concluded in Turkmenbashi today.

Two international trainers addressed topics such as international best practices in the field of protection of state borders, border patrolling and screening of persons, luggage and vehicles at maritime borders, the OSCE Ashgabat office reported.

"Effective border management requires regular advancement of professional skills of navy and border personnel and coordinated actions of law-enforcement bodies," Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat Richard Wheeler said.

During the course, the cadets discussed current threats to maritime security and mechanisms to prevent and combat terrorism, illegal migration, drug trafficking and smuggling at maritime borders and seaports.

Turkmenistan regularly holds demonstrative tactical exercises with the participation of military units and law enforcement agencies.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said during the exercises, "like any other country with a way to the sea, Turkmenistan needs to provide reliable protection and security of maritime boundaries."

According to the presidential decree, the country will establish a Naval Base by 2015.

Earlier it was reported that the Turkish Gap Insaat will build a modern seaport in the city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian seashore by 2017. The seaport will also include ship repair and shipbuilding yard. The project's cost is estimated at $2 billion.

On the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan borders with Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran.
The regional transport projects have been recently intensified. Upgraded large-capacity vessels of the Turkmen trade fleet are actively involved in Caspian cargo transportations, serving international routes from Turkmenbashi port to other Caspian ports. They are expanding the variety of the transported goods.