ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 30. Turkmenistan
and the European Union have discussed prospects for expanding
cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable natural
resource management, Trend reports via the
Turkmen Embassy in Belgium.


The discussion took place during a meeting between the
Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Brussels, Sapar Palvanov, and Deputy
Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General
for Environment (DG ENV), Patrick Child.


The sides outlined that the elevation of EU-Central Asia
relations to a strategic level creates favorable conditions for
intensifying bilateral engagement. Palvanov noted that developing
relations with the EU remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s
foreign policy, including in the environmental sector.


Particular attention during the talks was given to water
resources, which are increasingly seen as a key factor for
sustainable development in Central Asia. The sides noted that
regional economies, especially in agriculture, largely depend on
water availability, while growing pressure on water systems
requires the introduction of modern technologies and expanded
exchange of international best practices.


The ambassador also highlighted Turkmenistan’s initiative to
establish a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia,
which could serve as a platform for environmental monitoring,
research, risk assessment, and data exchange with international
partners, including the EU.







The parties also discussed the need to further institutionalize
cooperation, including through the development of structured
mechanisms such as framework agreements or roadmaps to advance
practical interaction.


For his part, Child welcomed Turkmenistan’s interest in
strengthening cooperation on environmental issues, particularly in
water resilience, noting that the European Commission is actively
advancing related initiatives within its agenda.


Earlier, on March 27, Turkmenistan hosted a business forum
focused on expanding cooperation with the European Union in trade,
investment, transport connectivity, and sustainable development.
The event brought together representatives of the government of
Turkmenistan, the European Union, international organizations,
diplomatic missions, and the business community.


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