On 31 October, the first Forum of Strategic Institutes, entitled “Central Asia – European Union: Transforming Cooperation in a Changing World”, was held in Brussels. The event took place at the headquarters of the European External Action Service, with the support of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia and the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS).

Turkmenistan was represented at the Forum by Batyr Niyazliyev, Adviser to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Sapar Palvanov. The meeting aimed to strengthen expert dialogue between Central Asia and the European Union and to develop practical proposals for further advancing the strategic partnership established at the first Central Asia–EU Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025.

During the discussions, participants considered pressing issues related to international security, trade and economic cooperation, transport and energy connectivity, investment attraction, digitalization, education and public diplomacy.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the expansion of trade relations and the implementation of joint investment projects. The Turkmen side highlighted the prospects for energy cooperation, including opportunities to supply natural gas to the European market, as well as the country’s transport and logistics potential and that of the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi.

As part of the economic agenda, Turkmenistan’s initiative to host the Central Asia–EU Economic Forum in 2027 was also noted. The forum is intended to expand direct contacts between business communities in the two regions.

A separate session was devoted to cultural and humanitarian ties. Following the Forum, participants emphasized the importance of continuing regular expert dialogue, conducting joint research and preparing practical recommendations to further strengthen cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union.