The Water-Methane Connection: Spotlight on the Orient
Turkmenistan Calls for Strong Partnerships with EU to Address Climate Challenges
At the recent international forum “Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity,” Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the crucial role of the climate agenda in the “Central Asia – European Union” framework.
President Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of identifying key areas for collaboration and laying a solid foundation for implementation, with the European Union being seen as a promising partner in climate issues due to mutual adherence to international conventions and agreements like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
The focus of cooperation was placed on decarbonization and methane emission reduction. Turkmenistan’s significant strides in this area, including the establishment of the Commission on Reducing Methane Emissions, accession to the Global Methane Pledge, and adoption of the Roadmap for International Cooperation on Reducing Methane Emissions, resulted in a commendable 11% reduction in methane emissions by the end of 2024.
President Berdimuhamedov also highlighted Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives, such as the Regional Center for Climate Technologies and the Program for the Transition to a Circular Economy, seeking support from the EU for their implementation. Key areas for partnership with the EU were identified as the “green transition” in energy, industry, transport, and other vital sectors, with a call to intensify dialogue on environmental issues and develop concrete plans for the future.
Water management issues were underscored as critical for the region, with Turkmenistan proposing the creation of a UN Regional Council on Water Use in the Countries of Central Asia to address transboundary river usage. Additionally, efforts to save the Aral Sea were highlighted, emphasizing the need for focused international discussions and support for the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Turkmenistan looks to forge strong partnerships with the EU to tackle climate challenges and ensure environmental sustainability in the region, calling for collective action and cooperation to address pressing issues for the benefit of all.
