ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan –

Within the framework of its strategic dialogue series, the Centre organized the seminar "Looking Ahead: Central Asia and Afghanistan when NATO Leaves" presented by Dr. Martha Brill Olcott, Professor of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Washington).

The event took place in the premises of UNRCCA in Ashgabat. Ambassadors, senior officials of regional and international organizations accredited in Ashgabat, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Institute of International Relations took part at the seminar.

Dr. Olcott covered issues related to the developments in Afghanistan and its implication on security and stability in Central Asia, the role of Central Asian states, regional and international organizations in building peace in Afghanistan, cooperation and collaboration of the neighboring countries with Afghanistan. She also discussed the new Silk Road Initiative and the role of regional organizations and individual states in addressing political, security, economic and social challenges.