BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Turkmenistan and the Benelux countries discussed the possibility of mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders.
This was reported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium following a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Sapar Palvanov and Benelux Union Secretary-General Ariadne Petridis in Brussels.
According to the embassy, Palvanov stressed the timeliness of exploring joint work on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
“Such a step could serve as a practical mechanism supporting the growing intensity of official exchanges,” the embassy quoted the ambassador as saying.
According to the embassy, the arrangement could facilitate political dialogue, high-level visits and institutional cooperation.
Petridis outlined the existing Benelux practice and relevant procedures in this area. She also expressed readiness to facilitate further dialogue on the issue within the competence of the Benelux Union’s General Secretariat.
Meanwhile, visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders are generally designed to facilitate official travel rather than tourism or private visits. Such arrangements can make it easier for government officials and diplomats to attend bilateral meetings, international events and institutional consultations.
For Turkmenistan, an arrangement with the Benelux countries could facilitate contacts with Belgium and the Netherlands, which have important roles in European political and economic affairs. Brussels is also a major center for EU institutions, making Belgium particularly relevant for Turkmenistan’s engagement with European structures.
The Netherlands is significant for Turkmenistan through trade, investment, logistics and business ties. Easier travel for officials could help maintain more regular government-level contacts and support discussions involving economic cooperation.
