On 26 February 2026, a working lunch for the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian nations and the United Kingdom was held in London as part of the “CA5+UK” ministerial meeting. Hosted by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the event focused on regional security, sustainable development, and the strengthening of interregional connectivity.
During the discussions, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, presented a package of concrete initiatives designed to transition from political dialogue to practical cooperation.
Peaceful Development of Afghanistan: The Turkmen Foreign Minister emphasized the critical importance of integrating Afghanistan into the regional economy. He identified the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects—including the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission lines, and cross-border railways—as the primary tools for ensuring long-term stability.
New Formats for Humanitarian Partnership: Minister Meredov proposed the establishment of a permanent platform titled the “Turkmenistan–UK Cultural Dialogue” and the launch of joint educational programs aimed at specialized professional training.
Digitalization and Consultancy: Turkmenistan called for expanded technical cooperation by engaging leading British legal and consulting firms. Particular emphasis was placed on implementing digital solutions to enhance the transparency and efficiency of cross-border trade.
Technological Alliance: The Minister highlighted the necessity of merging the United Kingdom’s high-tech potential with the diplomatic efforts of Central Asian states to bolster stability and promote sustainable growth throughout the region.///nCa, 27 February 2026