In an interview with a Euronews correspondent, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined the main directions of the country's domestic and foreign policy, and presented Turkmenistan's position on key issues on the global agenda. The interview covered a wide range of topics, including water resources, energy, regional and global cooperation.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Euronews correspondent, noting the European Union's aspirations for Central Asia in the context of the situation between Ukraine and Russia, asked about Turkmenistan's position on peace and trust, as well as about the assessment of the latest attempts at a peaceful settlement.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasizing the neutral status of Turkmenistan as the basis of foreign policy, noted that it is neutrality that determines the principles of the country's interaction with the world community, especially in difficult conditions.

"In the political aspect, our country is a neutral state, which is recognized by the United Nations. Our country does not accept participation and involvement in international conflicts," the National Leader said.

From a legal point of view, Turkmenistan, according to Berdimuhamedov, is a supporter of resolving interstate disputes exclusively on the basis of the UN Charter and generally recognized norms of international law. From a global position, the country does not support the use of force in international relations, since, in the opinion of the National Leader, war is not a solution.

Touching upon the water issue in the region, the Euronews correspondent noted its connection with the growing economic interest in water resources and asked about the vision of cooperation between the international community and governments in this area.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov acknowledged that the water issue is a very important issue for the region and voiced three key principles that, in Turkmenistan's opinion, should be followed when considering it in Central Asia.

Firstly, this is compliance with international law. The National Leader stressed that water resources are the common heritage of mankind, and water use should be carried out in accordance with generally recognized norms, in particular, UN conventions.

Secondly, mutual consideration of interests is necessary, which implies consideration of the interests of the peoples of all states when using water resources.

Thirdly, it is important to involve international structures, and above all, the United Nations. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the participation of the UN will ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of initiatives on water issues.

In development of this topic, Turkmenistan proposes to establish a Regional Council on water use in Central Asian countries, which, according to the National Leader, will help establish mechanisms for the use of water resources of transboundary rivers in the region.

The interview further raised the issue of Turkmenistan's bilateral relations with Afghanistan, in the context of Turkmenistan's neutral status, which facilitates political negotiations, including on the Afghan issue.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan's desire to see Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous state, capable of independently building its future, reviving the economy and social infrastructure. Turkmenistan also advocates for Afghanistan's integration into regional and international economic processes and actively involves the country in the implementation of a number of major economic projects.

As examples of successful economic cooperation with Afghanistan, the National Leader cited the TAPI gas pipeline projects, power transmission and communication lines to Pakistan via Afghanistan, as well as railway communication.

Returning to the topic of the European vector of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, the Euronews correspondent asked about the assessment of the expansion of cooperation with the European Union.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of political dialogue with the EU and supports the expansion of cooperation in trade and economic, transport and communications, cultural, scientific and educational spheres, noting the special importance of inter-parliamentary relations.

"In recent years, interparliamentary meetings, as well as meetings of the Turkmenistan-European Union Joint Committee, have been regularly held in Ashgabat and Brussels. In addition, the Turkmenistan-European Union Human Rights Dialogue is in effect. We are ready to continue and expand work in this area," the National Leader said.

Particular attention in the interview was paid to energy cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the enormous potential of this sector and mutual interest in it, which is growing in modern conditions. He noted that the European market is one of the largest consumers of energy resources, and uninterrupted and large supplies of energy resources are necessary for the stable development of the European economy.

In this regard, the Euronews correspondent inquired about Turkmenistan's plans to expand natural gas reserves and the country's ability to become a key supplier for European gas security.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, and the Galkynyş field is the largest in the world in terms of reserves, estimated at 27.4 trillion cubic meters.

"These figures show that our country's export potential allows us to meet the electricity needs of not only our own, but also our partners in the region and beyond. This is confirmed by the main gas pipelines that have been built and are now successfully operating in the eastern, southern and northern directions," the National Leader emphasized.

In the final part of the interview, the Euronews correspondent touched upon the topic of the upcoming Central Asia - European Union Summit in Uzbekistan and asked what ideas Turkmenistan intends to present at this forum.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the first Central Asia – European Union Summit evokes special hopes and associations, emphasizing that Central Asia today is a key region striving for peace, security, sustainability and equal cooperation.

"Naturally, our countries find practical developments, achievements and opportunities of the European Union in the sphere of economy, ecology, technology and artificial intelligence useful and interesting," the National Leader said.

He also expressed confidence in the presence of broad prospects for cooperation on the global foreign policy agenda and joint work to maintain regional security, strengthen borders and combat drug trafficking.

ORIENT