On 14 November 2024, the 7th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Union was held in the European Parliament building in Brussels. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan.

The Turkmen delegation was headed by Yusupguly Eshayev, Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the European delegation by Ms. Giusi Princi, Chair of the EU Delegation for Relations with Central Asia and Mongolia.

In the field of human rights, rule of law and social policy, the delegation of Turkmenistan expressed its openness to dialogue and outlined recent achievements such as the ending of statelessness, emphasizing active cooperation with the EU, OSCE and UN to strengthen the protection of human rights and social guarantees.

During the meeting, the sides discussed current cooperation, as well as opportunities for establishing new vectors of collaboration. The parties viewed Turkmenistan’s efforts to diversify its economy, expand trade and investment ties with the European Union.

The delegations expressed interest in deepening economic relations. The Turkmen side voiced legislative measures aimed at improving market accessibility and stimulating foreign investment, ensuring equal conditions for all partners.

The strategic importance of Central Asia as a bridge between Europe and Asia was highlighted at the meeting. In this regard, partnership in transport and infrastructure fields were discussed, including ongoing and planned regional transport initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity.

Participants also highlighted the successful launch of a coordination platform for transport between Central Asia and the European Union in Ashgabat in October this year, during the visit of EU Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen to Turkmenistan.

The sides noted the importance of academic exchanges and interregional cooperation. The delegation of Turkmenistan reiterated its proposal to organize a meeting of Ministers of Education of Central Asia and the EU, as well as leadership of higher education institutions.

The delegations agreed to hold the Eighth Inter-Parliamentary Meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Union in Turkmenistan.