On 5 March, the European Parliament in Brussels hosted the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting between the European Union and Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of political and economic cooperation, the regional agenda of Central Asia, the international situation, as well as matters related to the rule of law and social policy.
The Turkmen delegation consisted of members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and was headed by Mr. Maksat Kulyyev, Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations. On the side of the European Parliament, the meeting was chaired by Member of the European Parliament Ms. Giuseppina Princi, Head of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Central Asian countries (DCAS).
Opening the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of regular inter-parliamentary contacts as an effective instrument for strengthening trust and mutual understanding.
During the exchange of views on the state of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda, Members of the European Parliament noted the growing importance of cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia amid ongoing international tensions. At the same time, interest was expressed in expanding the scope of partnership, including economic and energy cooperation, as well as in developing ties in education and scientific programmes.
The Turkmen side highlighted the initiatives and national priorities being implemented in the areas of sustainable development, energy, environmental protection, and the expansion of renewable energy sources. Particular attention was also given to the importance of transport connectivity and to Turkmenistan’s geostrategic role in the development of international transit and logistics routes, including the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as an important hub within regional transport corridors.
In the context of discussions on regional policy in Central Asia, attention was given to issues of stability and the development of regional connectivity. It was noted that the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan is regarded as an important contribution to strengthening peace and security and serves as a foundation for expanding the humanitarian dimension and cooperation on regional projects, including those related to Afghanistan.
Within the agenda item devoted to the humanitarian dimension and social issues, the European side underlined the importance of continuing the relevant dialogue and exchanging best practices.
The participants positively assessed the substantive and constructive nature of the exchange of views and reaffirmed their intention to continue inter-parliamentary cooperation. In this regard, an agreement was reached to hold the next meeting at the beginning of next year in Ashgabat. ///Embassy of Turkmenistan to Belgium, 5 March 2026