The first consultative meeting on the preparation and holding of the International Conference on Disarmament Issues in Central Asia and Caspian Basin, scheduled for the first half of 2010 in Ashgabat, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on 2 December 2009. It was attended by diplomats and experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

According to the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, the meeting participants expressed support for the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on holding this Conference, which was put forward by the Turkmen leader at the 64th session of UN General Assembly in September this year.

In this context, it was stressed that the problem of disarmament, as part of a unified system of international security, is one of the most pressing issues on the international agenda. The multidimensional nature of disarmament issues requires a constructive and consolidated approach by all stakeholders, and, in this respect, the forthcoming international conference aims to become a political arena for the exchange of views and adoption of mutually acceptable solutions. From this perspective, the International Forum, to be held in Ashgabat for the first time, intends to lay the foundations for greater partnership in the name of security at the regional and global level as well as an effective mechanism for interaction between states and international organizations on disarmament issues.