The Route to the South and the Fight Against Desertification – Turkmenistan and Spain Outline Areas of Cooperation
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Islamabad Atajan Movlamov, met with his newly appointed Spanish counterpart in Pakistan Carlos Aragon. In addition to formal greetings and congratulations, the parties discussed a broad agenda, ranging from the economic benefits of routes through Afghanistan to the global challenges of climate change.
One of the central topics was the economic feasibility of a trade route connecting Turkmenistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan. As a major EU economy, Spain is interested in diversifying routes and opening up new markets. Ashgabat, for its part, is actively promoting the concept of transforming the region into a transport hub. Discussing this route with a European diplomat underscores the international recognition of the potential of the southern route.
Spain is one of the few European countries that is experiencing serious desertification and water shortages. Ambassador Carlos Aragon shared national initiatives for the sustainable management of natural resources.
For Turkmenistan, which is implementing large-scale environmental projects (such as Lake Altyn Asyr and afforestation campaigns), Spanish technologies to combat soil degradation could form the basis for a new round of technological cooperation.
The meeting confirmed that Turkmenistan and Spain are ready to strengthen ties not only in the traditional energy sector but also in areas that shape the future: transit and environmental security. Regular dialogue within the diplomatic corps in Pakistan will be an additional tool for implementing these plans.
