The European Union and Turkmenistan: Strengthening Cooperation and Developing Dialogue
The 7th Interparliamentary Meeting of the European Union and Turkmenistan took place in Brussels, demonstrating the desire of both sides to deepen cooperation and expand mutual understanding.
The delegation of the European Parliament was headed by Giusi Princi, Chairperson of the EU Delegation for Relations with Central Asia and Mongolia. The Turkmen side was represented by Yusupguly Eshchayev, Chairman of the Mejlis Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms.
The meeting discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation:
Economy. Turkmenistan presented efforts to diversify the economy and create favorable conditions for foreign investors. The EU expressed its readiness to promote the expansion of trade and economic ties.
Education. Particular attention was paid to academic exchanges. Turkmenistan proposed to hold a meeting of the education ministers of Central Asian countries and the EU, as well as directors of higher education institutions to discuss prospects for cooperation.
Transport and infrastructure. Participants emphasized the strategic role of Central Asia as a bridge between Europe and Asia, discussing regional initiatives and the successful launch of the coordination platform on transport connectivity between Central Asia and the European Union in Ashgabat in October this year, during the visit of European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen to Turkmenistan.
An important topic of the meeting was social policy and human rights. Turkmenistan shared its progress in eradicating statelessness, noting active cooperation with the EU, OSCE and UN to strengthen the protection of human rights and social guarantees.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to hold the next meeting in Turkmenistan, confirming their readiness to strengthen partnership and develop dialogue.
ORIENT
