Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan takes part in the 13th session of the EU-Central Asia High-Level Dialogue on Political and Security Matters

On July 16, 2026, in Brussels, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov took part in the 13th session of the European Union-Central Asia High-Level Dialogue on Political and Security Matters.

During the session, participants discussed pressing issues of regional and international security, prospects for further cooperation between the Central Asian countries and the European Union, and the practical implementation of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience, ensuring security, managing borders, countering modern challenges and threats, and developing connectivity and multilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the session, Ahmet Gurbanov stressed that the "Central Asia-European Union" cooperation format is of considerable interest to Turkmenistan as an effective mechanism for pooling the potential of the region's states and the European Union in the interests of sustainable development, expanding connectivity, and strengthening regional security.

It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently proceeds from the premise that lasting security cannot be achieved through force alone. A durable foundation for sustainable peace and security must remain political and diplomatic mechanisms, the building of trust between states, sustainable socioeconomic development, strict observance of universally recognized norms and principles of international law, effective multilateral diplomacy, and the central coordinating role of the United Nations.

In this context, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its support for the further improvement of cooperation mechanisms between Central Asia and the European Union, including the High-Level Dialogue on Political and Security Matters, meetings of special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the European Union, and the EU's practical programs aimed at strengthening the region's capacity in the field of security.

On the same day, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan met with the European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Head of the Division for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the European External Action Service, Gilles Bertrand. The interlocutors discussed current issues of cooperation on Afghanistan. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, implementing transport and energy projects involving Afghanistan, and expanding practical cooperation with the European Union within existing mechanisms, including consultations between special representatives, as well as the regional programs CADAP and BOMCA. Particular attention was paid to coordinating international efforts under the central role of the United Nations, including engagement within the framework of the UN-led Doha process, with a view to promoting Afghanistan's sustainable socioeconomic development and strengthening regional security.

As part of the visit, Ahmet Gurbanov also met with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service. The conversation covered promising areas of Turkmen-European cooperation, including the development of transport connectivity, the realization of the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, and the European Union's Global Gateway initiative. Mutual interest was noted in expanding cooperation in the energy sphere, including improving energy efficiency, developing renewable energy sources, introducing modern technologies, and reducing methane emissions. In addition, the parties discussed cooperation in education, specialist training, and the development of academic exchanges. The importance of maintaining regular political dialogue was underscored, and confidence was expressed that the steady development of the partnership would contribute to the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects.