BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 15. Turkmenistan and
European Union discussed the implementation of Connectivity Agenda
Platform to boost Trans-Caspian corridor.
This is reflected in the statement of Turkmen Embassy in
Belgium.
The discussions were held during the joint meeting of Central
Asian ambassadors and senior European Union officials in
Brussels.
During the consultations at the European External Action Service
(EEAS), the participants welcomed the successful launch of the
platform on June 23, 2026, highlighting its critical role in
enhancing regional connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan emphasized that this platform serves
as an exceptionally effective mechanism for promoting regional
transport cooperation. He stressed the necessity of utilizing the
platform to strengthen coordination and enhance the resilience of
transit corridors, noting that Central Asia-EU relations have
transitioned into a highly practical, results-oriented phase that
must deliver tangible infrastructural outcomes.
"The meeting also explored opportunities to expand cooperation
with European financial institutions, implement new infrastructure
projects, deepen collaboration in the field of critical raw
materials, promote digital transformation, strengthen energy
cooperation, and further develop partnerships in education,
counter-terrorism and other areas of shared interest," the
statement of the embassy says.
Within the framework of the platform, the discussions focused on
the immediate digitalization of transport procedures, customs
modernization, and the systematic removal of non-physical barriers
to cross-border commerce. To support these logistics initiatives,
the European side reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing
investment under the Global Gateway agenda in partnership with the
European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development. These financing structures are set to be further
aligned during the upcoming Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on
June 7–8, 2027.
The platform's objectives also align with broader efforts to
strengthen the bilateral legal framework between the EU and
Turkmenistan. European officials expressed readiness to work on a
joint roadmap to deepen political dialogue and economic cooperation
with Ashgabat. Additionally, the diplomatic delegations coordinated
preparations for the upcoming Ministerial Meeting on Connectivity
and Security scheduled for November 16, 2026, as well as the Second
EU-Central Asia Summit in 2027, both of which will serve to cement
these transport and security initiatives.
