Oriented on making people closer

The current week has been marked by significant international contacts and events, demonstrating Turkmenistan's active foreign policy based on the principles of neutrality and the pursuit of enhanced multilateral cooperation. A key highlight was the hosting of the 20th Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia – European Union" in Ashgabat, which convened the heads of foreign ministries from the countries of the region and the EU.

Ashgabat at the Center of the Central Asia – European Union Dialogue

The primary event of the week was undoubtedly the Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia – European Union" held on March 27th in Ashgabat. The participation of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and Deputy Ministers from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, underscores the high level of interest among the parties in developing their partnership.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues was discussed, including trade-economic and investment cooperation, the expansion of transport and digital connectivity within the framework of the "Global Gateway" strategy. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiative to establish a Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Ashgabat. An important item on the agenda was the preparation for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, scheduled to take place in April in Samarkand.

Notably, the participants also acknowledged the approaching 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality in 2025 and the related planned events, including the EU-Central Asia Women Leaders Forum in Turkmenistan.

A significant event of the week was also a separate meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas. During the discussion, the parties addressed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on the development of transport connectivity. The President of Turkmenistan noted that the country, together with its regional partners and international organizations, is actively developing promising transport corridors such as "North–South" and "East–West."

Confidence was expressed that these corridors would serve as a reliable bridge for expanding trade and economic cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian continent. It was also noted that close dialogue with the European Union is being conducted within the framework of Turkmenistan's socio-economic development programs, including the gradual implementation of major projects in the field of transport communication across the Eurasian space. The High Representative of the European Union highly commended Turkmenistan's efforts in this direction and reaffirmed the EU's readiness for further cooperation in this key area.

Strengthening Relations with Neighbors and Expanding the Geography of Ties

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting in Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin. These meetings underscored the priority of developing relations with neighboring Central Asian states, based on mutual trust and strategic partnership. Issues of bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed, as well as interaction within multilateral structures, including the UN and the EU.

In addition to the key meetings in Ashgabat, other important international contacts took place during the past week. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ahmet Gurbanov, visited Riga for political consultations with Latvia, where issues of trade-economic cooperation and the potential use of Latvian experience in Turkmenistan's WTO accession process were discussed.

A meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Turkmenistan and Armenia was held in Yerevan, indicating a desire to intensify interaction in the trade-economic, fuel-energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

A video conference was also held between the inter-parliamentary friendship groups with Russia, emphasizing the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening bilateral relations. Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan participated in a special conference "The Role of Neutrality in Strengthening Peace and Trust" held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in an international conference, indicating the continuation of intensive dialogue with the Islamic Republic on issues of multifaceted cooperation.

Focus on the Year of Peace and Trust and the Humanitarian Sphere

This week saw a series of high-level meetings with the new Country Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Chinwe Ogbonna. Key areas of joint work in improving reproductive and maternal health, promoting gender equality, and working with youth were discussed, demonstrating Turkmenistan's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

A most significant event, not only of the week but of the entire month of March, will be the international conference "The Year of Peace and Trust: Development of International Humanitarian Activities" which will take place on March 29th in the city of Arkadag. Organized by the Charitable Foundation named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the conference underscores Turkmenistan's priorities in the humanitarian sphere, including support for motherhood and childhood, and the aspiration to develop international cooperation in this direction.

The forum's agenda includes topics such as healthcare and the provision of medical care to children; education and the provision of educational services to children and adolescents; and climate change and children.

The high level of meetings and events this week, along with their agendas, demonstrate the country's commitment to active participation in regional and international processes, the development of trade and economic ties, as well as addressing issues related to sustainable development and the humanitarian sphere.

ORIENT

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