The 7th meeting of the EU-Central Asia Dialogue on Afghanistan was held in Brussels, attended by representatives of regional states and European Union institutions. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Sapar Palvanov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, according to a report on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on November 13.

Participants discussed current issues of sustainable development, regional connectivity, humanitarian support, and practical formats for cooperation with Afghanistan in the interests of stability and well-being of the peoples of the region.

During the meeting, the Turkmen side emphasized that Afghanistan's sustainable development is an important prerequisite for regional stability, and the best path to this lies through economic integration, expanded humanitarian cooperation, and the implementation of specific infrastructure projects that improve the lives of local people.

The Turkmen delegation held a working meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, and the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand. The European side noted the exceptional importance of the EU-Central Asia Regional Platform on Afghanistan and expressed interest in the practical steps being taken by countries in the region in the context of Afghanistan.

The discussion focused on water issues, cross-border cooperation, and major energy and transport connectivity projects.

Particular attention was paid to the flagship TAPI gas pipeline project. Other infrastructure areas were also discussed, in particular, electricity transmission projects, including increasing Turkmen electricity exports to Afghanistan under the signed agreements. The Turkmen side emphasized the practical significance of such steps for the socioeconomic stabilization of border provinces and the creation of new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

Turkmenistan continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, from supplying electricity and essential goods to expanding educational opportunities.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes, the discussions held in Brussels confirmed the high level of trust and mutual understanding between the countries of Central Asia and the European Union on a wide range of Afghan issues.

Following the 7th meeting of the EU-Central Asia Dialogue on Afghanistan, the commitment to continuing constructive engagement was reaffirmed.