Turkmenistan and the EU strengthen bilateral dialogue on cooperation, regional and international issues, with both sides reaffirming regular engagement across trade, transport, energy, education, climate and economic diversification.
Turkmenistan and the European Union strengthen dialogue on bilateral cooperation and priority areas of partnership during discussions held in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The talks involve Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mahri Bayramova and EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Luc Pierre Devigne.
The officials review the current state of Turkmenistan-EU relations and discuss prospects for expanding cooperation. Particular attention is given to the priorities of both sides at the UN General Assembly, along with international and regional developments. The two sides also address preparations for joint events and further interaction through bilateral and multilateral platforms.
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Turkmenistan and the EU reaffirm their interest in maintaining regular contacts and constructive cooperation on areas of mutual interest. Their economic relationship is currently governed by an Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related Matters, which enters into force in 2010. A broader Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1998 remains unratified by the European Parliament, leaving Turkmenistan as the only Central Asian country without a fully implemented partnership agreement with the EU.
In recent years, cooperation increasingly covers transport connectivity, trade facilitation, energy, education, climate policy and economic diversification. The EU’s engagement with Turkmenistan operates within the framework of its 2019 Strategy for Central Asia and the Global Gateway initiative. The bloc allocates €18 million for bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan under its 2021–2027 programme.
Transport and logistics remain important elements of the partnership. The EU views Turkmenistan as a significant participant in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which connects Central Asia with European markets. EU support for developing the corridor is linked to wider efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen trade routes between Europe and Central Asia.
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The latest discussions come amid broader efforts to expand practical economic engagement. Earlier meetings in September also cover energy cooperation, renewable energy, trade, investment, digital technologies and transport connectivity, indicating a wider agenda between Ashgabat and Brussels.
The renewed dialogue provides a platform for Turkmenistan and the EU to strengthen institutional contacts while advancing cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy and sustainable development. Both sides continue to use bilateral and international platforms to develop practical areas of partnership.