ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Nov. 21
By Huseyn Hasanov– Trend:
EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian arrived in Ashgabat on a two-day visit on Nov. 20, 2019, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the same day, Peter Burian met with Governor of Turkmenistan's Ahal region Serdar Berdimuhamedov. During the talks, the significance of cooperation of the EU with Turkmenistan from the geopolitical viewpoint was noted. The parties underlined the development of friendly relations of Turkmenistan with all the EU countries in the framework of its Open Door policy.
The parties discussed collaboration in the economic and humanitarian spheres, including the partnership between the business circles of Turkmenistan and the EU. Confirming the presence of favorable investment climate in Turkmenistan, the parties noted the effectiveness of joint programs and projects linked to various sectors of economy. The necessity of exchanging expertise in the area of agriculture, high technologies, protection of ecology and use of renewable energy sources was stressed.
In conclusion, the parties expressed their hope for further promotion of mutually beneficial ties between Turkmenistan and the EU.
EU Special Representative for Central Asia also met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Hajiyev. Noting the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU, the parties discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to political-diplomatic dialogue, trade-economic ties, as well as the cultural-humanitarian collaboration.
Underlying the significance of the high-level visits, the parties noted the effectiveness of the EU-Turkmenistan Joint Committee sessions, the Human Right Dialogue, as well as the inter-parliamentary collaboration. Special attention was paid to the cooperation in multilateral formats aimed at the maintenance of economic growth, stability and security in the region. Peter Burian underlined the importance of holding the Days of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Ashgabat in which he has participated.
The diplomats discussed the cooperation in the field of energy, enhancement of transit-transport routes, healthcare, ecology and education. The effectiveness of the projects and programs implemented in Turkmenistan in assistance of the European Commission was stated.
EU technical assistance projects being implemented in Turkmenistan, in particular, the effectiveness of Erasmus Mundus student exchange program (program funded by the European Commission with the aim to encourage mobility in long-term and short-term of students and staff) was mentioned.
The EU and Turkmenistan are committed to implementing a project designed to bring Turkmen hydrocarbon energy carriers to European markets. The negotiations have been underway since 2011.
The project of laying a 300-kilometer gas pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to the shores of Azerbaijan is optimal for the delivery of Turkmen gas to the European market. Further, the Turkmen gas can be delivered to Turkey, which borders with European countries.
