On March 4, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during a working visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, took part in the first “Central Asia–European Union” Summit.
Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the European Union is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, which serves as a foundation for building long-term relations. In this context, it should be noted that the bilateral partnership is multifaceted. Interaction with the EU takes place in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
At the same time, effective cooperation with the European Union is being strengthened through the implementation of programs and projects aimed at the socio-economic development of our country. Priority areas of the partnership include climate change, diversification of transport and transit corridors, energy, science and education, regional security, and the rational use of water resources.
The Central Asian countries, located at the crossroads of trade routes connecting Asia and Europe, have been creating new opportunities in recent years to attract investment and expand foreign trade relations. This contributes to the rapid integration of the region into the global economic system and its transformation into one of the key players in the global economy.
The intensification of interregional dialogue, the increase in the number of joint projects, and the commitment of both sides to expanding cooperation open up great opportunities for deepening collaboration. The "Central Asia–European Union" format, by promoting regional development and strengthening ties with the EU, is demonstrating its effectiveness.
The agenda of the current Summit, aimed at the development and strengthening of multilateral partnerships between Central Asian states and the European Union, included the expansion of trade and investment ties, advancement of joint projects in green energy and the green economy, transport, digitalization, and more.
…In the early morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s motorcade headed to the Congress Center – the venue of the high-level meeting. There, the head of state was warmly welcomed by the Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The first “Central Asia–European Union” Summit, held in the city of Samarkand under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calviño, and President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso.
After the traditional group photo ceremony, the guests proceeded to the main hall of the Congress Center, where the high-level meeting of Central Asian leaders and the heads of key political and economic institutions of the European Union took place.
Opening the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev once again welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for supporting Uzbekistan’s initiative to host the first “Central Asia–European Union” Summit in the ancient city of Samarkand.
In his address, the Uzbek leader emphasized the importance of the recent meeting in Ashgabat between the foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries and the European Union, as well as the constructive negotiations held on the eve of the Summit, which demonstrated the political will and determination to deepen practical cooperation in the interests of both regions.
Following that, the floor was given to the Summit participants.
Welcoming those present, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan for the warm hospitality and the excellent conditions provided for the work.
Highlighting the importance of the current meeting, the head of state emphasized that for the first time, the countries of Central Asia and the European Union are holding negotiations in such a high-level format, which is, in itself, a significant event. In our view, this indicates a shared understanding among all participants of the need to deepen relations, a desire for rapprochement, and the establishment of solid mechanisms of partnership, said the President of Turkmenistan. He expressed confidence that the upcoming discussions would mark an important stage in strengthening ties, achieving mutual understanding, and reaching concrete agreements.
Among the key objectives of joint efforts, Turkmenistan places special emphasis on achieving and maintaining regional peace, security, and stability. In this regard, it was stressed that, under current conditions, political and diplomatic interaction between Central Asian countries and the EU could have a significant constructive impact on the overall situation in the region and neighboring states, as well as contribute to the efforts of the international community, primarily represented by the United Nations.
We proceed from a shared vision of Central Asia as a peaceful, economically attractive region — a territory of stability and predictability, free from geopolitical conflicts and contradictions, continued President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s readiness to work towards these goals in accordance with its neutral status and international commitments.
In this context, drawing the attention of Summit participants to the UN General Assembly Resolution "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan" unanimously adopted on March 21 and co-authored by 67 countries, the head of state expressed deep appreciation for the support of this document.
Among the most important issues for regional and global peace and security, the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan was also highlighted.
Highly valuing the potential for cooperation between Central Asia and the EU in such priority areas as economy and investment, energy, transport, and trade, the head of state stated that Turkmenistan is firmly committed to engaging in a serious energy dialogue with the EU at a new, substantive level and is ready to implement practical steps.
It was emphasized that our country advocates the launch of joint practical projects in the field of green energy, increasing electricity production capacity, and is ready to supply electricity to Europe. With a consolidated position of the countries through which the power line would pass, this project could be implemented in the near future on a mutually beneficial basis, expressed the President of Turkmenistan with confidence.
Our country is also ready to work with European partners on the use of wind and solar energy and is open to exploring prospects for cooperation in hydrogen energy, noted the head of state.
Strategic directions include transport and communications, a key component of which is the establishment of East–West and West–East transport and communication corridors. A crucial role in this is given to the Trans-Caspian route, said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, confirming our country’s readiness to provide the capacity of the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast and the road infrastructure of Turkmenistan for the benefit of this project.
– In the field of communications, we also believe in the necessity and feasibility of laying cables along the Caspian Sea floor, continued the head of state, stating that Turkmenistan considers the construction of underwater infrastructure in the Caspian to be economically beneficial for the littoral states. At the same time, it is an important condition for ensuring energy, economic, and transport stability in Eurasia, based on the equal consideration of interests and benefits.
In general, I am convinced that active EU investment participation in infrastructure projects in the region will be a timely step, noted President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing readiness to provide investors with the most favorable conditions for significantly expanding trade with Europe. In this context, companies were invited to participate in the Turkmen market, and the EU was invited to consider the possibility of creating programs to support exporters and importers.
Reaffirming Turkmenistan’s commitment to the development and expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the educational projects and programs implemented by the EU in the region over the years.
Among them were large-scale programs such as TACIS-TEMPUS, ERASMUS-MUNDUS, and DARYA. In particular, more than 40 projects have been implemented in Turkmenistan under the ERASMUS-MUNDUS and ERASMUS+ programs, focusing on master’s programs, digitalization in education, sustainable development support, and academic mobility.
In order to further this work in line with objective needs and partnership priorities, the head of state proposed the development of a joint project in the field of vocational education, stating that he considers this to be highly important for training highly qualified technical personnel to work with high-tech equipment.
He also supported the activation of joint scientific and research projects in history, archaeology, ethnography, and the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, noting the promising nature of tourism exchanges and the development of targeted joint programs in ecological and ethnographic tourism.
In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan’s firm and positive stance on continuing and enhancing the partnership in the “Central Asia–European Union” format and its readiness to contribute significantly to this undoubtedly positive and important process.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked the President of Turkmenistan for his substantive speech, specific proposals, and positive stance on mutually beneficial cooperation.
During the Summit, the participants emphasized the importance of establishing cooperation on a systematic basis, directing it toward specific goals, and developing new mechanisms of interaction. Special emphasis was placed on the need to enhance interregional partnership in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in the energy, transport and communication sectors, the field of green energy, and climate change. Confidence was also expressed in achieving concrete agreements on expanding investment cooperation, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and supporting innovation and digital solutions.
The participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the "Central Asia–European Union" Summit is yet another clear confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to developing mutually beneficial partnerships with all interested countries.
Thus, the current high-level meeting served as an important platform for discussing opportunities to strengthen relations between the Central Asian countries and the European Union in the areas of trade and economy, investment, transport, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as for developing joint strategies in these fields.
Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan
