European Union Delegation Visits Led by Vice-President Margaritis Schinas
The European Union delegation, headed by Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, visited Turkmenistan on 17 January 2024, as part of a larger tour to Central Asia from 15 to 17 January.
The visit was made in preparation for the “Europe – Central Asia Investors Forum”, with the goal of strengthening connectivity by developing transport routes within Central Asia and the European Union. It also signifies the growing partnership between the EU and the region.
During the visit, VP Margaritis Schinas met with President of Turkmenistan H.E. Mr Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan H.E. Mr Rashid Meredov. Discussions focused on cooperation in the EU-Central Asia format, engagement of Central Asian countries in the EU Global Gateway initiative, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the upcoming Investors Forum.
VP M. Schinas commended Turkmenistan’s efforts in the process of accession to the World Trade Organization and its commitment to becoming a member of a multilateral trading system. He also praised Turkmenistan for joining the Global Methane Pledge at the COP28 in Dubai. Additionally, VP M. Schinas underscored the EU’s commitment to human rights and commended Turkmenistan’s engagement in the Annual Human Rights Dialogue. Both sides emphasized the need to observe international law and the UN Charter and the need to refrain from the use of force in bilateral and international relations.
Following the visit, at the press briefing, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas expressed his pride in being the first Commissioner to visit Turkmenistan in the last five years, emphasizing the country’s importance as a partner in Central Asia. He discussed the EU’s main investment strategy, the Global Gateway, and its relevance to Central Asia as the world’s gateway between East and West. The visit aimed to give a new impetus to EU-Turkmenistan relations across the board.
The visit serves as a testament to the EU’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Central Asian countries and developing opportunities for mutual cooperation.
