EU Commissioner Síkela’s Strategic Visit To Turkmenistan: Strengthening Partnerships – OpEd

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, recently concluded a pivotal visit to Turkmenistan, underscoring the EU’s dedication to enhancing cooperation through the Global Gateway strategy. This visit emphasized the EU’s role in integrating Turkmenistan into regional and global economic networks, with a particular focus on transport connectivity, renewable energy, and trade facilitation according to the European Union Delegation in Turkmenistan.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Turkmenistan is actively collaborating with the European Union on various projects in science, education, ecology, energy, and the development of transport and transit corridors. Given Turkmenistan’s strategic geographical location, expanding transport and transit routes is of significant importance.

A central topic during discussions with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Deputy Chairs of the Cabinet of Ministers, and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov was the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Commissioner Síkela reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s crucial role in this corridor, which enhances connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. During his visit to the Turkmenbashi Port, a vital trade hub, he met with Mammethan Chakyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications, to discuss infrastructure modernization and standard alignment.

The Turkmen Ambassador in Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, praised the visit on social media, highlighting the port’s importance as a logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. Commissioner Síkela echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Turkmenistan’s key role in building stronger connections between Europe and Central Asia. He noted that the Global Gateway initiative, particularly through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, aims to create faster, more secure trade routes, attract investments, and generate jobs.

Meeting with President Berdimuhamedov

On March 12, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov welcomed Commissioner Síkela in Ashgabat. Both parties acknowledged the successful development of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the EU, noting the increase in political and diplomatic contacts in recent years.

In an interview with the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan,” Commissioner Síkela discussed the key topics of his meetings, including economic modernization, green energy, transport links, and trade reforms. He highlighted the Global Gateway initiative as a tool for deepening cooperation in renewable energy, reducing methane emissions, and supporting Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization. Discussions also covered human rights and public administration reforms, which are essential for strengthening EU-Turkmenistan relations, according to TurkmenPortal.

Energy and Climate Cooperation

Energy and climate cooperation were major pillars of the visit. Two key initiatives were launched under the EU-Turkmenistan bilateral cooperation facility:

• A EUR 6 million project by the International Trade Centre (ITC) to support Turkmenistan’s WTO accession and economic modernization.
• A EUR 4.5 million initiative by GIZ to advance renewable energy development, reduce methane emissions, and improve energy efficiency.

Commissioner Síkela welcomed Turkmenistan’s accession to the Global Methane Pledge, emphasizing the importance of emissions reduction and sustainable energy solutions for fostering a greener economy. The EU’s technical and financial assistance will help Turkmenistan align with international trade and environmental standards.

Promoting Socio-Economic Cooperation

The visit also focused on promoting socio-economic cooperation, including developing trade relations, transport connectivity, energy security, innovation, and investment activities. An exchange of views took place on implementing the EU Global Gateway initiative.

The Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s initiative to bridge global investment gaps by promoting sustainable connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening education and research systems. The initiative aims to mobilize €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, fostering sustainable growth and resilient partnerships worldwide.

A key topic during Commissioner Síkela’s meetings with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov was the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a strategic route enhancing connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

SOURCES

• https://x.com/PalvanovSapar/status/1900817502063444290
• The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation in the fields of trade, transport, energy, investment with the European Commissioner
• Visit by EU’s Sikela Strengthens Global Gateway Partnership with Turkmenistan – The Times Of Central Asia
• EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela strengthens Global Gateway partnership with Turkmenistan | EEAS
• Jozef Sikela on key factors for strengthening EU-Turkmenistan relations | Politics