Ministerial meeting "Central Asia - European Union" was held in Ashgabat

On March 27, 2025, the 20th Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia - European Union" was held in Ashgabat.
It was attended by the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of the Central Asian countries, as well as the European delegation headed by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.
The participants of the meeting discussed a wide range of issues related to multilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
The parties discussed preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for April this year in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the same time, the heads of the foreign affairs agencies exchanged views on key areas of the regional and international agenda and confirmed the importance of combining efforts to resolve pressing issues of our time.
The parties exchanged views on the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of this format, paid special attention to expanding transport and digital connectivity, including within the framework of the European strategy "Global Gateway" (EU Global Portal) to achieve digital, energy and environmental transformations.
The meeting discussed partnership in the implementation of alternative energy sources and the development of a "green" economy, taking into account Turkmenistan's initiative to create a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat.
In addition, special attention was paid to expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, including the development of cooperation in education and science.
Following the ministerial meeting, a Joint Communiqué of the 20th Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia - European Union" was adopted. The meeting also included a side event entitled “International Year of Peace and Trust: Deepening Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union,” in line with the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. In addition, bilateral meetings were held between the participants of the Central Asia – European Union ministerial meeting.