Turkmenistan to secure weapons stockpiles

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Turkmenistan's defense authorities took part in a recent training workshop aimed at securing the country's weapons stockpiles from militant threats.

The small-arms and light-weapons stockpile management workshop was conducted by the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe as part of an initiative to develop better security practices through Central Asia.

Officials say the workshop, held in Turkmenistan's capital of Ashgabat, brought together top security officials from the country to establish a modern and stronger security strategy for storing weapons and munitions, the OSCE reported.

"The OSCE is pleased to engage in dialogue with Turkmenistan on the vital issues of surplus arms and ammunition," Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, head of the OSCE office in Ashgabat, said in a statement.

"We have developed best practice guides, and are ready to share expertise and knowledge with the Turkmenistan authorities."