Key Themes Discussed in Turkmenistan-EU Dialogue
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela recently visited Turkmenistan as part of his Central Asian tour on March 12. The visit highlights the growing importance of Central Asia in geopolitics and emphasizes the significance of regional partnerships for the European Union, with Turkmenistan playing a crucial role in this dialogue.
During an exclusive interview with ORIENT Editor-in-Chief Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV, Commissioner Sikela discussed the objectives of his visit, the priorities for partnership, and the vision for further cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU.
Commissioner Sikela emphasized the focus on economic modernization, enhanced transport connectivity, and the green transition in strengthening the engagement with Turkmenistan. Under the Global Gateway Strategy, efforts are being made to integrate Turkmenistan into regional and global trade networks, modernize infrastructure, and attract investments.
One significant opportunity identified is the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC), which could establish Turkmenbashi as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia, reducing trade times and creating new job and investment prospects in logistics, transport, and trade.
Additionally, cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and methane emissions reduction aligns with Turkmenistan’s economic priorities and the EU’s commitment to sustainable development. Support for Turkmenistan’s WTO accession process aims to create a more transparent business environment beneficial for both European and Turkmen companies.
Turkmenistan holds a strategic position in the EU’s engagement with Central Asia, particularly in serving as a transit hub for regional trade and a potential player in critical raw materials and renewable energy. Energy cooperation, including renewable energy investments and methane emissions reduction initiatives, presents opportunities for a mutually beneficial partnership leveraging Turkmenistan’s natural resources and EU’s technology expertise.
The EU stands ready to provide technical support and assistance to facilitate Turkmenistan’s WTO accession process, including capacity-building programs to align trade policies with international standards. The focus on renewable energy projects, especially solar and wind energy, offers potential for sustainable development and green initiatives in Turkmenistan.
Efforts to reduce methane emissions, a global priority, involve technical assistance, best practices, and technology transfer to monitor and mitigate emissions, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Collaboration in technology transfer, such as in energy efficiency and smart urban solutions, can further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan.
Regional cooperation in water resource management and sustainable water use, supported by EU initiatives, aims to enhance water-energy management and foster cross-border collaboration in Central Asia. Programs focusing on water management, energy, and climate change are key areas for cooperation with Turkmenistan and Central Asian partners.
Joint projects in education and culture, including vocational education, scientific research cooperation, and the Erasmus+ program, offer opportunities for Turkmenistan to engage in EU-supported initiatives. In the field of culture and tourism, the EU is open to promoting Turkmen culture in Europe through educational exchanges, artistic collaborations, and tourism initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing cultural ties between Europe and Turkmenistan.
