The newly appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, paid working visit to Turkmenistan on 4-6 March. Mr Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat just three days after his appointment, underlining the importance the European Union places on its engagement with Turkmenistan and Central Asia.

During his visit, Mr Stiprais held a series of high-level meetings to discuss key aspects of EU-Turkmenistan cooperation, regional stability, and multilateral engagement. He met with DPM/FM Rashid Meredov, to exchange views on the current state and future prospects of EU-Turkmenistan relations, with a particular focus on economic ties, security, and regional cooperation. At his meeting with D. Gulmanova, Chairperson of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, he discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation and Turkmenistan’s legislative initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Additionally, the EUSR met with UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, to exchange on UN-EU cooperation in the country and discuss joint efforts in sustainable development. A meeting with Ambassador John S. MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, focused on regional security challenges and potential areas for enhanced collaboration between the EU and OSCE in Central Asia. During discussions with Mr Kakha Imnadze, Head of UNRCCA, the parties addressed multilateral approaches to conflict prevention and the role of regional organisations in maintaining stability.

In addition, Mr Stiprais engaged with EU Heads of Mission and resident Central Asian ambassadors, strengthening diplomatic dialogue on regional priorities. The visit reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening engagement with Turkmenistan and the broader Central Asian region, focusing on regional cooperation, economic development, and security dialogue.

ORIENT