Border control officials from Afghanistan participated in parts of the course organized under an OSCE project to improve border security and contribute to the professional development of border officials of the two countries. A total of 21 representatives of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan and six representatives of the Afghanistan Border Police took part in the training delivered by two international experts.

"Organizing a practical training course in difficult field conditions was a pioneer effort for all of us," said Ambassador Arsim Zekolli, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. "The project had a special significance for Turkmenistan which, by hosting Afghan participants in the training, proved to be an active partner and contributor to security in the region and beyond."

The project was developed by the OSCE Borders Team and the OSCE Office in Ashgabat in response to a 2007 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on engagement with Afghanistan. The project, which was financed by Japan, an OSCE Partner for Co-operation, involved two field training courses and classroom lessons and included a donation of patrol and surveillance equipment to the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. An event to mark the completion of the project was organized at the Imamnazar border crossing point on the Turkmen-Afghan border.