Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Participates in the 13th EU–Central Asia High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security

On 16 July 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov participated in the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security between the European Union and Central Asia, held in Brussels.

During the meeting, participants discussed current regional and international security issues, prospects for further cooperation between the Central Asian countries and the European Union, as well as the practical implementation of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience, enhancing security, improving border management, addressing contemporary challenges and threats, promoting connectivity and advancing multilateral cooperation.

In his statement, Ahmet Gurbanov emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the Central Asia–European Union cooperation format as an effective mechanism for combining the potential of the Central Asian states and the European Union in the interests of sustainable development, enhanced connectivity, and strengthened regional security.

It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently proceeds from the understanding that long-term security cannot be ensured solely through the use of force. A durable foundation for sustainable peace and security should be based on political and diplomatic mechanisms, confidence-building among states, sustainable socio-economic development, strict adherence to the 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 development of cooperation mechanisms between Central Asia and the European Union, including the High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security, meetings of the Special Representatives of the Central Asian countries and the European Union, as well as EU practical programmes aimed at strengthening the security capacities of the states of the region.

On the same day, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan met with Gilles Bertrand, European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Head of the Afghanistan and Pakistan Division of the European External Action Service. The interlocutors discussed current issues of cooperation related to 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 through existing mechanisms, including consultations between Special Representatives, as well as the regional programmes CADAP and BOMCA. Particular attention was paid to coordinating international efforts under the central role of the United Nations, including cooperation within the framework of the UN Doha Process, with a view to promoting Afghanistan’s sustainable socio-economic development and strengthening regional security.

As part of the visit, Ahmet Gurbanov also met with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service. During the meeting, the parties discussed promising areas of Turkmen-European cooperation, including the development of transport connectivity, realization of the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corrido, and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.

Mutual interest was expressed in expanding cooperation in the energy sector, including improving energy efficiency, developing renewable energy sources, introducing modern technologies, and reducing methane emissions. The parties also reviewed 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 consistent development of the partnership would contribute to the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects.