Public Relations Sector, Center for Economic Research and Reforms, Uzbekistan In the lead-up to the “Central Asia – European Union” Summit, which will take place on April 3–4, 2025, in Samarkand, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has prepared an infographic reflecting the dynamics of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade and investment cooperation with the European … [Read more...]
New Economic Prospects to Open in Samarkand – On the Upcoming EU–Central Asia Summit
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan–EU partnership: Progress, Investment and Future Prospects
In recent years, Uzbekistan and the European Union have been steadily expanding their trade, economic, investment, and financial-technical cooperation. The most active bilateral engagements across various levels have taken place over the past eight years, driven by the focused policy of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Strengthening political … [Read more...]
EU-Central Asia: 20th Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their strong political commitment to strengthening engagement and deepening cooperation during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
The Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat
The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025. It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. The … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the High Representative of the European Union
On 27 March 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. The High Representative stressed that the EU highly appreciates Turkmenistan's achievements in all areas. President Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas to travel to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas will start the regional tour of Central Asia on 27 March 2025. The first stop is Turkmenistan where she will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. High level delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia: Partnership on the strength of Peace, Trust, and Neutrality
nCa Commentary The ministerial meeting of EU and Central Asia is just about to take place in the run-up to the first EU and Central Asia summit, scheduled for early next month in Samarkand. The events are taking place in the year designated by the United Nations as the Year of Peace and Trust, aligning with Turkmenistan’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its status … [Read more...]
Strengthening EU-Central Asia Cooperation: A Shared Vision for the Future
Op-ed by H.E. Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan The European Union's partnership with Central Asia is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to mutual prosperity. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, I have witnessed firsthand the deepening of this relationship, which is not only a regional endeavor but also deeply rooted in … [Read more...]
The investment potential of Turkmenistan presented at the round table “Team Belgium Global Gateway” in Brussels
On 14 March 2025, in Brussels, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium participated in the round table Team Belgium Global Gateway, held at the Egmont Palace. Organized by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with leading economic agencies, the event brought together government, business, and expert representatives to discuss investments and partnerships in … [Read more...]
Leadership training aimed at improving the managerial skills of civil servants held in Turkmenistan
On 11-13 March 2025, a training session on "Male and female leadership: Effectiveness in cooperation" was held in Ashgabat. The event, which is a part of the project "Turkmenistan: Enhancing trade resilience and integration", funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC), brought together representatives of ministries and … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and the EU strengthen investment cooperation with new agreements
On 13 March in Astana, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, held talks with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, who is on a diplomatic tour of Central Asian countries. The discussions focused on the implementation of projects in key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, including transport … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the European Commissioner for International Partnerships
On Wednesday, 12 March, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. As noted during the meeting, in recent years, Turkmenistan's political and diplomatic relations with the European Union have become more active, with cooperation developing not only on a bilateral basis, but also within the Central … [Read more...]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose of the … [Read more...]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU's growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In a message on his official X … [Read more...]
Interview of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Euronews TV channel
The Euronews team visited Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov answered questions from the correspondent of this TV company Loro Bakwelli. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's interview opens up a unique opportunity for an international audience to get acquainted with the country's … [Read more...]
Global Gateway in Central Asia: Commissioner Síkela’s mission will focus on mutual development projects
Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU-Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth. Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important … [Read more...]
Management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia discussed at OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on the management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia, held in a blended format, took place from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and customs management, migration, law-enforcement, … [Read more...]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 Programme organised Study visit to Latvia on national customs information systems
From 4-6 March, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a study visit Latvia on introduction of the national customs information systems for representatives of customs services from Central Asian countries. During the previous activities of BOMCA 10, EU experts visited CA countries to provide assistance, develop recommendations and … [Read more...]
First visit of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia to Turkmenistan
The newly appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, paid working visit to Turkmenistan on 4-6 March. Mr Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat just three days after his appointment, underlining the importance the European Union places on its engagement with Turkmenistan and Central Asia. During his visit, Mr Stiprais … [Read more...]
Visit of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia to Ashgabat – a wide range of cooperation issues discussed at the Foreign Ministry and the Parliament
On 4 March 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the newly appointed European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit. During the meeting, a wide range of issues related to Turkmenistan's cooperation with the EU and its institutions were discussed. The sides exchanged … [Read more...]
EU Special Representative for Central Asia arrives in Ashgabat for talks
The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, arrived in Ashgabat on 4 March 2025. Some talks and meetings , including with DPM and Foreign Minister Meredov, and Chairperson of the Parliament, Ms. Gulmanova, are scheduled to take place. Meanwhile, it has been learned that due to illness, HR/VP Kaja Kallas’ trip to Central Asia has been postponed to the … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia – Redefining the paradigm
Tariq Saeedi Geologically, mainland Europe and mainland Asia are one gigantic continent – Eurasia. They share the same tectonic plates, and they are a contiguous landmass, with lack of water boundaries that define a continent. They are separated by a line that is imaginary – the Ural River and the Ural Mountain. The mass travels, sometimes friendly and sometimes not so … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and the EU: parliamentary dialogue on cooperation prospects
On 25 February 2025, Ashgabat hosted the 8th meeting of the Interparliamentary Dialogue "Turkmenistan-European Union," bringing together representatives from the Parliament of Turkmenistan and the European Parliament. A significant focus of the meeting centered on the importance of the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan: "2025 – … [Read more...]
New EU Special Representative for Central Asia appointed
The Council of the European Union appointed Mr Eduards Stiprais as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will take up his duties on 1 March 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, succeeding Terhi Hakala. According to Council’s press-release, the task of the new EUSR will be to promote relations between the EU and the countries of Central Asia on the … [Read more...]
BOMCA10 held its fourth Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting in Ashgabat
On 20 February, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia BOMCA10 held its fourth Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting to review the ongoing progress and agree on plans for its final implementation year. The meeting took place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan bringing together representatives from the donor, implementing consortium of the programme, and national … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Launches First Customs Regulations Mobile App
Turkmenistan's State Customs Service has launched its first mobile application providing information on customs regulations, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The app was developed in partnership with the EU-funded Border Management Assistance Program in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) and unveiled at a ceremony in Ashgabat on 19 February. The event brought together … [Read more...]
First EU-Central Asia summit to take place on 3-4 April 2025 in Uzbekistan
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit on 3-4 April 2025, the European Council said in a press release. The summit will be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the participation of the leaders … [Read more...]
Dushanbe hosted a meeting of Special Representatives of the Central Asia and EU for Afghanistan
On February 5, 2025, the Sixth meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan in the format of «Central Asia – European Union» was held in Dushanbe. At the meeting, the Turkmen delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov. During the session, a comprehensive exchange of views took place on priority issues of regional … [Read more...]
EU Provides €8.8 Million Grant to Uzbekistan for Aral Sea Basin Land Restoration
The European Union has committed €8.8 million in grant funding to support land restoration efforts in Uzbekistan's Aral Sea Basin, with a new environmental initiative set to launch in 2025. This investment falls under the EU's broader "Green Central Asia" initiative, which tackles regional challenges related to water resources, energy, and climate change. The project will … [Read more...]
Turkmen Embassy in Belgium Promotes Peace and Trust Through Cultural Initiative
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium has launched a unique cultural initiative to mark the 2025 International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The project, designed as a cultural challenge, aims to raise awareness of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy and its commitment to these core values. The … [Read more...]
Meeting in Brussels: The ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia discussed with the head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee preparations for key events in 2025
On 27 January 2025, at the initiative of the Ambassadors of Central Asia countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, a meeting was held in Brussels with David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium reports. The meeting participants discussed preparations for key events, including: • 6th … [Read more...]
EU-Turkmenistan Partnership: Summing up the achievements, we look to the future
On 24 January, the European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a joint press conference to reflect on the their partnership in 2024 and to outline strategic priorities for the year ahead. The event brought together local and international media, representatives from Turkmen ministries and agencies, and coordinators of … [Read more...]
UNHCR and the European Union join forces to expand humanitarian support for Afghan refugees and returnees
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European Union (EU) have signed a new agreement to continue to support displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and countries in Central Asia, UNHCR in Central Asia reports. EU funding worth of EUR 36 million will help hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons to … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people is on a visit to Monaco
On 19 January, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left on a visit to the Principality of Monaco. At the airport of the capital, he spoke with media representatives, saying that Monaco had been declared the "Sports Capital of the World in 2025." Berdimuhamedov stressed the important role of sport … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan outlines plans for cooperation with the European Union in 2025
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on Friday, January 17, 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, presented a report on the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation with the European Union. Strengthening mutually beneficial ties with the EU remains a cornerstone of Turkmenistan's foreign … [Read more...]
Modernization of higher education in Turkmenistan: the role of ERASMUS+ projects
Since the beginning of 2025, ERASMUS+ Information Sessions have been held at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. These sessions bring together participants from various projects implemented within the framework of the European Union program. They provide an opportunity to learn about the events and conditions of the 2025 ERASMUS+ competition, as well as the results … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Seeks Alternative Trade Corridors – Some will pass through Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan is actively working to diversify international routes and create alternative transport corridors for cargo transportation. This move aims to reduce reliance on transit countries facing challenges and ensure the stability of foreign trade operations. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov emphasized this need, stating in an interview with … [Read more...]
Newly appointed EU Commissioner for International Partnerships may visit Turkmenistan
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with the Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Ms. Lucie Šestáková in Brussels. According to the Embassy, they discussed the continuation of active cooperation between Turkmenistan, the EU, and Central Asia, with a particular focus on transport connectivity. Transport remains a … [Read more...]
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium, together with its partners, represents initiatives in the European arena
Since the beginning of the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the United Nations at the suggestion of Turkmenistan, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium has been actively cooperating with local partners to promote Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. This initiative highlights the country's commitment to promote … [Read more...]
BOMCA 10 ensures stable customs operations in Turkmenistan
On 11 December, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) provided essential equipment valued at EUR 9,736.45 to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The supplied UPS systems for servers and X-ray scanners will ensure uninterrupted operation of the customs posts as well as stable connection with the headquarters. Moreover, this … [Read more...]
Terhi Hakala on EU-Turkmenistan cooperation: transport, green economy and regional prospects
The European Union's Special Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Terhi Hakala, in an exclusive interview with the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, stressed the positive dynamics of EU-Turkmenistan relations and outlined key areas of cooperation. The interview took place during a visit to Ashgabat as part of Hakala's farewell tour of the region. Hakala noted the strengthening … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia
On Wednesday, 11 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Ms. Terhi Hakala, who is completing her mission as the European Union's Special Representative for Central Asia. The European Union highly appreciates cooperation with neutral Turkmenistan, which stands for strengthening peace and trust in the region and the world, Ms. Hakala noted during the … [Read more...]
BOMCA 10 enhances communication at customs posts of Turkmenistan
On 4 December, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) provided specialised communication equipment worth EUR 82,811 to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan during a handover ceremony in Ashgabat. Received portable radio devices will enhance operational efficiency by ensuring seamless communication between headquarters, regional units and … [Read more...]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE Ministerial Council Malta
On 5-6 December 2024, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myakhri Bashimova took part in the 31st meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE Ministerial Council), held in Valletta, Malta. This key event annually gathers representatives of 57 OSCE member States, … [Read more...]
The Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee was held in Brussels
On 4 December 2024, the 23rd meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee was held in Brussels. The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by the Minister of Finance and Economy Serdar Jorayev. The delegation also included representatives of various ministries and departments, including the Ministries of Environmental Protection, Education, Foreign Affairs, Finance and … [Read more...]
Building Dialogue Together: Discussion Board in Ashgabat devoted to International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls
Ashgabat, 29 November 2024 – The EU "Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy" project working alongside the economic society "Ynamly Durmush", joined the global movement to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, by hosting in Ashgabat a public discussion board “Building Dialogue Together”. The … [Read more...]
Enhancing Substance Use Prevention, Supply Reduction, and Developing National Expertise in Addictology and Treatment in Central Asia
On 27-28 November, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, an International Conference “Enhancing Substance Use Prevention, Supply Reduction, and Developing National Expertise in Addictology and Treatment in Central Asia” has been conducted with the support of EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP). The event gathered delegations from all 5 Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Hosts International Conference on Sustainable Energy
National stakeholders, policymakers, energy experts, representatives of professional associations, academia and international organisations attended the International Conference “Sustainable Energy for Environmental Protection – Reviewing International Best Practices”, which took place in Mary on 28 November 2024. The event was organised by the Ministry of Energy of … [Read more...]
EU Culture Days in Ashgabat culminate with European Film Festival
The European Film Festival, held as part of the European Union Culture Days in Ashgabat, concluded this week. The festival, implemented in collaboration with the "European Film Festival" Project, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, the Embassy of France, and the French Institute in Turkmenistan, opened with the animated film Icarus and the Minotaur, which was screened at … [Read more...]