The Agreement on the establishment of the European Union Delegation in Turkmenistan was signed in Ashgabat in July 2019. The office in Turkmenistan became the 142nd EU Delegation around the world.

Mr. Diego Ruiz Alonso, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan told about the prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in an exclusive interview. Currently, the parties are planning cooperation with Turkmenistan for 2021 - 2027.

• “Our negotiations with partners and various stakeholders are focused on promoting the same values that we defend in the European Union - cooperation to achieve sustainable life; development of a green economy and the private sector, as well as reducing regional differences”, the Ambassador noted.

According to the Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, the EU prioritizes people at the center of its activities, so human development is a top priority. Protecting human rights, preserving diversity, supporting civil society and the humanitarian response to disasters and conflicts are part of the EU's international action and cooperation with partners.

The European Union and national partners in Turkmenistan have implemented bilateral projects - to support the education system, strengthen the capacity of the Civil Service Academy, and the agricultural sector - the SARD III project, as well as several regional projects - the EU-funded Programme on Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA), the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), and the STRIVE Asia project, funded by EU which contributes to preventing and countering violent extremism in Central, South and South East Asia.

Together with national partners, the EU works on promoting economic business opportunities, enhancing export potential, and improving the investment climate. In this regard, the EU supports the development of small and medium-sized businesses through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. ERASMUS office in Ashgabat provides opportunities for students, as well as teachers, to exchange knowledge and experience.

• “The EU Strategy for Central Asia considers regional integration as a fundamental goal. In this regard, we have developed various regional projects that are also of interest to Turkmenistan. The country is already participating in some of them. Now we are discussing the ways of cooperation in new regional initiatives such as “Ready4Trade”, “Strengthening the rule of law”, the Ambassador said.

Ayjahan Ataballyeva