ASHGABAT: Turkmenistan hosted a key meeting of the national steering group for the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), focusing on the final phase of the EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing border security and regional cooperation.

According to Trend News Agency, the event gathered national partners and stakeholders involved in the BOMCA 10 project in Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the achievements of the third year and discussed strategic plans for the concluding phase of the program. Since its inception, BOMCA 10 has organized over 90 events across four critical areas, engaging 847 representatives from Turkmenistan. These activities resulted in the creation of 45 documents, which have been transferred to the beneficiaries for ongoing application.

The meeting also highlighted the initiation of a grant project this year, targeting civil society organizations in two regions of Turkistan, aiming to further bolster community involvement in border management.

Launched in 2021,
the current phase of BOMCA has a budget of £21.65 million and will run over 54 months. It focuses on promoting security and stability in Central Asia through improved border management practices, fostering economic development, and enhancing cross-border cooperation.

BOMCA has been a pivotal program since 2003, concentrating on institutional development, combating drug trafficking, and facilitating trade corridors within the region.