Turkmenistan and EU Discuss Transport Cooperation Prospects in Brussels
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Turkmenistan’s mission to the EU, Sapar Palvanov, recently met with Maya Bakran, the Head of the Directorate General for Transport and Mobility (DG-MOVE) of the European Commission. The meeting took place in Brussels, where DG-MOVE is based and responsible for developing and implementing the European Commission’s transport policy.
Ambassador Palvanov discussed the measures and initiatives taken by Turkmenistan in the transport sector, with a particular focus on sustainable transport. He highlighted the upcoming opening of Arkadag, Turkmenistan’s first “smart city,” which boasts an environmentally friendly transport system in line with global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote sustainable transport solutions.
Palvanov also proposed various ways to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU. These proposals align with the goals outlined in Turkmenistan’s Program for the Development of Transport Diplomacy for 2022-2025 and stem from the country’s initiatives announced on multilateral platforms, such as the UN and the International Road Transport Union.
Maya Bakran, the Director General of DG-MOVE, acknowledged the importance of continuing dialogue in the transport sector and expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Central Asian countries. She welcomed the Central Asian countries’ dedication to promoting connectivity.
Bakran shared information about DG-MOVE’s activities, mentioning that while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) focuses on financing transport projects, DG-MOVE conducts research and publishes results for interested parties. The Directorate is currently finalizing a study on sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. The study, conducted by EU consultants on the ground, will be published soon.
Bakran mentioned that 18.5 billion euros were allocated for priority investment needs, including various “soft” measures to enhance digitalization, electronic document management, interoperability, and sustainable connectivity.
During their meeting, Palvanov and Bakran also discussed potential areas for cooperation, such as training technical personnel in the transport sector and the possibility of organizing an expert-level conference on relations between Central Asian countries and the EU in the future.
The Turkmen Embassy in Brussels commented on the meeting, highlighting the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the transport sector. The discussions focused on Turkmenistan’s initiatives, the upcoming EU-EBRD study, and promising areas of collaboration.
Both sides acknowledged the numerous prospects and opportunities for further cooperation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and mutual efforts to strengthen interconnectedness and sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia.
Overall, the meeting between Ambassador Palvanov and Director General Bakran signifies the shared focus on enhancing cooperation in the transport sector between Turkmenistan and the EU. The discussions explored Turkmenistan’s initiatives, the forthcoming EU-EBRD study, and potential areas of collaboration. There is a common understanding of the significance of continued dialogue and joint efforts in strengthening interconnectedness and sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia.
