Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, speaking at the 19th ministerial meeting “Central Asia – European Union” in Luxembourg, highlighted the main areas of cooperation with the EU and priorities of interaction for the long term.  This is stated in a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, posted on the department’s website on Tuesday.

 Touching upon the topic of economic cooperation with the EU, the minister emphasized the importance of interregional trade, economic and financial partnership.  Rashid Meredov noted the EU's support in strengthening transit ties and developing the private sector in Central Asia.

 Speaking about cooperation in the energy sector, the diplomat indicated that the transportation of energy resources is of crucial importance for Turkmenistan.  Particular emphasis was placed on expanding gas exports to Europe through the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline and promoting international cooperation in the clean and renewable energy sectors.

 In this context, the head of the foreign policy department called for support for two UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan on sustainable transport and on the mobility of energy resources.

 The head of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry also touched upon the issue of Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization and the need for further interaction with European partners in this direction.

 Noting the important role of creating new transport links connecting Central Asia and Europe, R. Meredov highlighted multilateral efforts to develop the Caspian Sea-Black Sea route.  A proposal was put forward to hold a high-level meeting in Turkmenistan in 2024 to further strengthen transport connectivity.

 The Minister also reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to environmental protection and mitigation of climate change.  The diplomat spoke about national programs such as the Green Belt, and voiced the head of state’s proposal to create a Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Ashgabat to solve the problem of climate change.

 The Minister also emphasized the huge potential for interaction in various sectors, including healthcare and the digital economy.

 As a result of the ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, the Joint Roadmap for deepening ties between the EU and Central Asia, as well as the Joint Communiqué of the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, were adopted.

 The participating countries of the format supported the holding of the next anniversary ministerial meeting “Central Asia – EU” in 2024 in Turkmenistan.