Oriented on making people closer

EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat. On March 4, he met with Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

The meeting discussed various areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU and its structures. The parties exchanged views on how to develop political and diplomatic ties. They discussed strengthening the contractual basis and improving interaction. They particularly noted the importance of the ongoing work of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee, the Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue and the Human Rights Dialogue.

They also discussed cooperation in energy, transport and improving ties, environmental protection. They separately discussed initiatives to reduce methane emissions and develop renewable energy sources.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening trade and economic ties. They also discussed work with EU financial institutions. Humanitarian cooperation was also an important topic. The discussion focused on educational projects, programs, and strengthening ties between universities and research centers. The parties supported the continuation of trainings and courses for specialists in various fields. In addition, the diplomats outlined preparations for joint events this year.

Eduards Stiprais also met with Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova. The parties noted the importance of the agreements reached between Turkmenistan and the European Union in recent years. They emphasized the benefits of exchanging experience in legislative and parliamentary work, meetings of parliamentarians and joint training seminars. All this, in their opinion, helps to strengthen modern and diverse relations between Turkmenistan and the EU countries.

Eduards Stiprais assumed his duties as the EU Special Representative for Central Asia on March 1, 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, replacing Terhi Hakala.

Stiprais is a Latvian diplomat with extensive experience. He served as the Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU, as well as Deputy State Secretary - Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. From 2016 to 2020, he was the Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and was also the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom and France.

ORIENT

Photo: mfa.gov.tm/mejlis.gov.tm