Interview: French Foreign Minister Speaks on EU-Central Asia, Turkmenistan-France Relations

nCa Exclusive

Ashgabat, 10 April 2008 (nCa) --- Foreign Minister of France, Bernard Kouchner, is in Ashgabat to participate in the second EU-Central Asia troika.

Here is the complete text of Kouchner’s exclusive interview with nCa:

1. What are the specific goals you hope to achieve in your Turkmenistan visit?

A. My visit falls into the framework of long-standing and regular relationship between the two our countries. For llmost 15 years we are united by the Agreement on mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation. Our heads of state have paid visits to each other a number of times. In 1995, France became the co-author of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, recognizing the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. Our relations take the origin from those steps. Today we inspire new dynamics through innovative and ambitious projects in the sphere of archeology, teaching of French language, health protection, law and agriculture.

As you know, on 1 July [2008] France will become the chairman of European Union. Naturally it is very important axis of my visit, coincident with the meeting between European troika and Ministers of foreign affaires of all the five Central Asian countries. The purpose of my visit is to prepare the French chairmanship of EU, which will contribute toward continuation of implementation of European strategy, adopted in June 2007. My visit also is aimed at discussion with Turkmen government about our projects.

2. Energy cooperation would obviously be one of the points on your agenda in Ashgabat visit. There is apparent willingness to cooperate from both sides. What should Turkmenistan do and what is France willing to do to translate the good intentions into tangible results?

A. The French-Turkmen energy cooperation is long-standing [feature of bilateral relations]. A number of French companies are involved in this cooperation. We have a lot of examples from research-seismic equipment to logistic support of companies-producers of hydrocarbons, not to mention the reconstruction of oil refineries and factories of petrochemical branch. [For instance], the know-how and technologies of small and medium companies (CIFAL, DGTL, DMT, Istana) and of major international groups (Schlumberger, Technip).

The French firms such as Bouygues and Total, wishing to work in Turkmenistan, are very interested in establishment of long-term partnership for exploration of natural resources with observance of the norms of environmental protection and in training of Turkmen staff.

3. Energy transit through Iran is one sensible way to carry Central Asian gas to European markets. Do you think the time has arrived for Europe to distance itself from the US foreign policy objectives and look after its own immediate and urgent interests?

A. The energy cooperation provokes strategic debates. We closely cooperate with the United States of America and will continue to hold the dialogues on this subject. Struggle against nuclear proliferation and desire to encourage Iran to observe its international obligations is the subject of consensus of the wide international community, shown by the United National Security Council.

Today Europe and Central Asian Countries wish to strengthen the energy security and international stability. We have common interests in diversification of export routes, of structure of demand and supply for energy resources.

The exploration of oil and gas resources strengthens the strategic situation of Central Asia as the producing countries and transit states. The increase of output will contribute to strengthening of partnership with European Union and better supply to markets. The usage of energy resources requires significant investments, favorable legal conditions, mutually interested partnership.

Moreover, the management of electric energy and water resources is one of the basic aspects of our cooperation with Central Asia and all the neighboring states.

4. In addition to whatever else is being done in the EU-Central Asia format, what is France's vision for medium- and long-term relations with Central Asia?

A. France and European Union desire strong integration of Central Asia into the international economic and trade systems, which are the source for expansion of job vacancies for all. In particular, it can be achieved through the process of entering the World Trade Organization.

France and EU participate in regional economic reforms and in development of market economic structures. It is evident in cooperation in the main spheres such as technological and scientific, infrastructure (banks, transport, and communication), and exchange of experience in the activity of medium and small enterprises.

The economic prosperity, harmonious social policy and mutual well-being are the best guarantees of security. At the same time we should struggle against the threats existing in the region. France and Turkmenistan have common strategic interests. The situation in Afghanistan, struggle against drug trafficking are the common source of concern and of actions, aimed at better border control. That’s why France invited Turkmenistan to participate in the conference of organizations and donor-countries for Afghanistan. The conference is planned to be organized in Paris in June of current year. This conference is a good opportunity to spread the political appeal to confirm the long-term obligation of international community to the Afghan people for solid revival of Afghanistan.

5. What kind of cooperation should EU seek with SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization)?

A. EU and SCO have given start to the first exchanges. In particular, Pierre Morel, EU special envoy for Central Asia, holds fruitful exchanges with the SCO General Secretary. We have to deepen this dialogue and to find common guidelines of activity. In order to understand each other better, it is necessary to organize regular consultations on the issues of common interest, such as Afghanistan, drug trafficking and its chemical ingredients, development of transnational economic cooperation in Central Asia, safety of environment, energy security.

The construction of constitutional state, democracy and human rights are also in the core of discussions. These principles are also included into Bishkek treaty, adopted by SCO in 2007. European Union is able to partner with SCO in the frames of OSCE and ASEAN.