President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and newly appointed EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Luc Pierre Devigne discussed prospects for expanding trade and investment, deepening energy cooperation and developing transport links across the Caspian Sea to European markets.
On 9 September 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan, Luc Pierre Devigne, who presented his credentials to the head of state, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports.
During the meeting, Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan attaches great importance to further developing political dialogue with the European Union and intensifying exchanges of views on current international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, digital technologies and environmental protection were identified as key areas for further engagement.
The President highlighted significant opportunities to increase trade turnover, expand business contacts with European companies and develop new investment projects.
Particular attention was given to transport connectivity. It was noted that developing the potential of routes running across the Caspian Sea to European markets, as well as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, is in the common interests.
The two sides also highlighted prospects for closer cooperation in the energy sector, including the development of renewable energy sources and the transition to a “green” economy.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was described as another integral component of bilateral engagement, particularly in education, science and culture.
Expressing his gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the meeting, Luc Devigne assured the head of state that he would make every effort to further strengthen friendly relations between the European Union and Turkmenistan.///nCa, 10 September 2026
Press release from the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan EU Ambassador Luc Devigne Presents Letters of Credence to President of Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 9 September 2026 – H.E. Luc Devigne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan, presented his Letters of Credence to H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat today.
During the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Ambassador Devigne on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission, as well as in further strengthening relations and cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of increasingly close engagement between the European Union and Central Asia. On 4 April 2025, the first-ever EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand elevated relations to a strategic partnership and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with the region, including in the areas of connectivity, trade and investment, energy, sustainable development and people-to-people contacts.
As part of his official programme, Ambassador Devigne also laid flowers at the Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan and visited the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and the adjacent Turkmenbashy Mausoleum, where he laid flowers at the mausoleum.
On the same day, Ambassador Devigne also met with H.E. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, presenting him with copies of his Letters of Credence. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of EU–Turkmenistan relations and priorities for further strengthening cooperation.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Devigne stressed to the media that the EU is a peace project, and that there is a high level of convergence of views between the EU and the neutral Turkmenistan concerning the need to resolve global conflicts in line with the international law.
Ambassador Devigne brings extensive experience in EU external relations, with a particular focus on Central Asia. He joined the European Commission in 1996 and subsequently held senior positions in the Directorate-General for Trade and the European External Action Service, including as Director and Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In these roles, he was closely involved in EU relations and negotiations with countries across the region.
As EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne will lead the EU Delegation in Ashgabat and represent the European Union in its engagement with the Turkmen authorities and partners. He will work to further strengthen the EU–Turkmenistan partnership and to translate shared interests into concrete cooperation and tangible results. ///EU Delegation to Turkmenistan, 9 Sep 2026