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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Turkmenistan
Index
During the Soviet era, military planners regarded Turkmenistan as a
crucial border region because of its proximity to Iran and other strategic
areas such as the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. Consequently, a large
number of Soviet army troops were stationed in the republic, which was
virtually closed to foreigners. Since independence and the formation of a
national armed force, Turkmenistan has maintained a posture of neutrality
and isolationism, while at the same time pursuing a bilateral military
alliance with the Russian Federation. Russia continues to regard
Turkmenistan as a key element in its sphere of military interests. For
that reason, Russia has secured agreements for stationing border guards
and air defense forces in Turkmenistan. Russia also supports the building
of the national armed forces by providing training for officers and
sharing force maintenance costs.
Data as of March 1996
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