Turkmenistan and EU Address Security Concerns in Ashgabat
Strengthening Security Cooperation: Turkmenistan and the European Union Meet
A pivotal meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan involving Deputy Foreign Minister Akhmed Kurbanov and the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Beate Peksa. Joined by experts from the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism "Hedaya," the discussions focused on enhancing security cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU.
The dialogue underlined the significance of regional initiatives such as the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) and the Border Management Assistance Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA). These programs aim not only to bolster border security but also to foster broader interregional collaboration.
Another key area of discussion was the EU’s "STRIVE ASIA" regional program, designed to build resilience against violent extremism. The importance of the LEICA project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, was highlighted as a crucial effort in enhancing law enforcement capabilities in the region and ensuring the security of critical facilities.
The participants also reviewed fundamental documents that frame the partnership between Central Asia and the EU. Key agreements included the Roadmap for Deepening Ties, adopted in Luxembourg earlier this year, and the Joint Communique from the recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asia and the EU, held in Ashgabat. Additionally, the Joint Declaration from the inaugural summit between the EU and Central Asia, which took place in Samarkand last month, was noted for its importance.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from both Turkmenistan and the European Union to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration in security matters, reflecting their mutual dedication to a stable and secure region.
Photo: mfa.gov.tm
Source: ORIENT
