Turkmenistan and EU Discuss Regional Security and Afghanistan’s Development

As part of the 17th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union, a bilateral meeting took place between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Paola Pampaloni, Director of the European External Action Service for Asia.

The meeting focused on regional security issues, especially in the context of the situation in Afghanistan, The Caspian Post reports citing the country's Foreign Ministry.

The Turkmen side presented its approach based on the principles of neutrality, good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan consistently promotes initiatives aimed at restoring peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan, including providing humanitarian aid and supporting peace initiatives.

Special attention was paid to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan railway and the creation of new energy and transport corridors.

The parties confirmed the importance of maintaining an open political dialogue and expressed their readiness for further cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

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Also, on the sidelines of the 17^th Dialogue on Human Rights between Turkmenistan and the European Union, which took place in Brussels, a meeting was held between the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan Yazdursun Gurbannazarova and the head of the Office of the European Ombudsman Lambros Papadias.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged information about their activities, talked about the history of the formation of their institutions, key functions and the specifics of considering citizens’ appeals. The Turkmen side expressed interest in further exchanging experience, best practices and establishing regular cooperation with European colleagues.

Both sides highly appreciated the potential for dialogue and emphasized the importance of strengthening professional ties between the two institutions, indicating readiness for more frequent bilateral contacts and practical events.