BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. Sweden welcomes the particular focus on sustainability in the development of relations between the EU and Turkmenistan through EU initiatives, the Swedish MFA press office told Trend.
"Sweden welcomes the particular focus on sustainability in the development of relations between the EU and Turkmenistan, which is mirrored by the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy, and Climate Change within the framework of the Global Gateway," the press office said.
The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations with Turkmenistan.
"A large part of the dialogue aimed at identifying new areas of cooperation with Turkmenistan is coordinated with our partners at the European Union level, focusing on the environment, transport, and energy.
Sweden supports the EU Strategy on Central Asia, which reflects an overall ambition to increase cooperation with the countries in the region. The strategy recognizes the importance of Central Asia as a link between the Asian continent and Europe," the office stated.
As a key supporter of non-earmarked core budget funding for the UN system, Sweden actively engages in projects that benefit Turkmenistan's green transition.
"Turkmenistan is a strong partner of the UN institution. Sweden participates in many projects indirectly through this kind of multilateral support," MFA added.
Sweden's approach to strengthening ties with Turkmenistan is characterized by a shared dedication to sustainable development and collaboration across various sectors, positioning both nations to tackle pressing regional challenges effectively.
On September 3, Turkmenistan and Sweden held high-level political consultations in Stockholm, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring new collaboration opportunities. The meeting highlighted the significance of active participation in international organizations like the UN, OSCE, and the EU. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the necessity for innovative collaboration formats.