A wide range of issues of cooperation with the EU was discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the new EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit, the Foreign Ministry of our country reported on March 4.

The parties discussed cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and connectivity, environmental protection, initiatives to reduce methane emissions and the development of renewable energy sources. The interlocutors emphasized the importance of developing trade and economic ties. They also discussed interaction with EU financial institutions.

The parties agreed to continue working on the development of mutually beneficial ties between Turkmenistan and the European Union, including within the framework of the Central Asia-EU format.

An exchange of views also took place on the development of political and diplomatic partnership, strengthening the legal framework for interaction and bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Particular emphasis was placed on the humanitarian direction of the partnership, educational projects and programs, strengthening the partnership between institutes and research centers. The parties spoke in favor of continuing the practice of conducting trainings and courses within the framework of current and prospective projects. In addition, the diplomats discussed preparations for joint events planned for the current year, the MFA notes.