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 leadership of Foreign Ministries 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 meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues related to multilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

The parties discussed preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit scheduled to be held in April this year in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.

At the same time, the heads of the foreign policy departments exchanged views on key areas of the regional and international agenda and confirmed the importance of combining efforts to resolve pressing issues of present time.

The parties exchanged views on the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of this format, and paid special attention to expanding transport and digital connectivity, including within the framework of the European strategy “Global Gateway” to achieve digital, energy and environmental innovations.

The meeting discussed partnerships for the introduction of alternative energy sources and the development of a “green” economy, taking into account Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish 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 ministerial meeting “Central Asia – European Union”.