A wide range of issues of multilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed on March 27 in Ashgabat at the 20th Central Asia-European Union ministerial meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports.

The meeting was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as the European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

The parties discussed preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for April this year in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The parties exchanged views on the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of this format, paid special attention to expanding transport and digital connectivity, including within the framework of the European strategy "Global Gateway" (EU Global Portal) to achieve digital, energy and environmental transformations.

The meeting also discussed partnership in the implementation of alternative energy sources and the development of a "green" economy, taking into account Turkmenistan's initiative to create a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat.

In addition, special attention was paid to expanding cooperation in education and science.

Following the meeting, a Joint Communique of the 20th Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia - European Union" was adopted.

The meeting also included a side event "International Year of Peace and Trust: Deepening Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union", in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Bilateral meetings between the event participants also took place.