Oriented on making people closer

A delegation of the European Union led by Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen officially visited Turkmenistan on 3 October.

The visit coincides with the High-Level Launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform, which aims to strengthen connectivity by developing transport routes within Central Asia and the European Union. It also underscores the growing partnership between the EU and the region. The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is a flagship of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, and the establishment of the Coordination Platform was one of the key deliverables of the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity held in January 2024.

European and international financial institutions present at the Forum committed to mobilise €10 billion for sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia. The EU’s objective is to work with partners towards a modern route that boosts trade, facilitates the flow of goods between Central Asia and Europe, while driving economic development and regional integration.

Commissioner Urpilainen stated: “Central Asia, as a region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, plays a pivotal role in the EU Global Gateway investment strategy and connectivity vision. The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is a critical artery linking Europe and Asia, boosting trade, facilitating exchanges, and driving prosperity across our regions, while also ensuring improved connectivity and cooperation, as well as economic growth between all Corridor countries. Harnessing this potential will require massive infrastructure investments in the years to come, and I am therefore pleased to see governments from countries along the Corridor, key International Financing Institutions, EU Member States, G7 countries and other partners coming together.

During the visit, Commissioner Urpilainen met with H.E. Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Additionally, meetings were held with Mr Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr Serdar Jorayev, Minister of Finance and Economy, as well as Mr Tanryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Prime Minister. A bilateral meeting also took place with Mr Mammethan Chakyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communication under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. This highlights the strengthening partnership between the European Union and Turkmenistan, emphasising their mutual commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors.

At the meetings with the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, key issues were discussed, including enhancing cooperation in the European Union-Central Asia format, engaging Central Asian countries in the EU Global Gateway strategy, and launching the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform, alongside the bilateral partnership between the European Union and Turkmenistan.

Commissioner said: To the European Union, Turkmenistan is an important partner in Central Asia. As we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, I want to thank Turkmenistan for the constructive cooperation and for hosting today’s high-level meeting on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform. My visit to Ashgabat was a great opportunity discuss on a broad range of areas of cooperation with Turkmen government – in addition to connectivity and transport, climate change and energy, as well as the process of accession of Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation were also prominent topics.

During discussions on the EU-Turkmenistan partnership, Commissioner Urpilainen emphasized the European Union's commitment to supporting Turkmenistan's transition to a sustainable, green economy while enhancing its business environment. In line with the EU Strategy on Central Asia and the Global Gateway Strategy, the EU has established a comprehensive framework for regional engagement. Under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2021-2027, the EU has allocated €18 million to further strengthen its partnership with Turkmenistan, highlighting its dedication to fostering sustainable development and economic growth in the country.

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Photo: EEAS-ASHGABAT