President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received European Commissioner of the European Union for International Cooperation Josef Sikela on March 12, according to TDH.

During the meeting, it was noted that at present the partnership of Turkmenistan with the European Union is developing successfully. In recent years, political and diplomatic relations have become more active. A number of projects with the European Union in the fields of science and education, ecology, energy, and development of transport and transit corridors are being successfully implemented.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that during the visit of the European Commissioner to Turkmenistan, along with meetings at the highest level, a visit to the international seaport of Turkmenbashi, which is one of the largest ports in the region, is provided.

Given the advantageous geographical location of Turkmenistan, the expansion of transport and transit routes is of strategic importance. In this regard, it was noted that Turkmenistan is actively developing such promising transport corridors as north-south and east-west.

The President emphasized the special importance of the International Sea Port of Turkmenbashi, whose capabilities can significantly reduce the route and time of large-sized cargo flows, as well as to create favorable conditions for access to the Black Sea coast, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and Asia-Pacific region.

In this regard, confidence was expressed that the port would serve as a reliable bridge in the development of interaction and trade and economic ties between the countries of Eurasia.

At the same time, great importance is attached to the development of cooperation not only on a bilateral, but also in a multilateral basis, including in the “Central Asia-EU European Union” format.

As noted in a press release from the European Union in Turkmenistan, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which is a key element of the Global Gateway initiative, was one of the main topics in the discussions of Sikela with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov.

“Commissioner Sikel reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the key role of Turkmenistan in this strategic corridor that strengthens the link between Central Asia and Europe,” the press release said.

“We see Turkmenistan as a key partner to strengthen links between Europe and Central Asia. Working together as part of the Global Gateway, especially through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we create faster and safer trade routes that will open up new business opportunities, attract investments and create jobs. Our joint efforts are aimed at reducing the trade route between Europe and Asia to just 15 days, while helping Turkmenistan become an important center of trade between Asia and Europe,” Sekela quotes the words press release.