The EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian has arrived to Ashgabat on a two-day visit on Nov 20, Turkmen Foreign Ministry reports.

In the same day, the meeting of P.Burian with the Governor of the Ahal region S.Berdimuhamedov was held. During the talks, the significance of cooperation of the EU with Turkmenistan from the geopolitical viewpoint was noted. The parties underlined the development of friendly relations of Turkmenistan with all the EU countries in the framework of its “Open Door” policy.

The parties discussed collaboration in the economic and humanitarian spheres, including the partnership between the business circles of Turkmenistan and the EU. Confirming the presence of pleasant investment climate in Turkmenistan, the parties noted the effectiveness of joint programmes and projects linked to various sectors of economy. Also, the necessity of exchanging expertise in the area of agriculture, high technologies, protection of ecology and use of renewable energy sources was stated.

In the end of constructive talks, the parties expressed their hope for further promotion of mutually beneficial ties between Turkmenistan and the EU.

Also, the meeting of P.Burian with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan V.Hajiyev was held. Noting the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU, the parties discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to political-diplomatic dialogue, trade-economic ties, as well as the cultural-humanitarian collaboration.

Underlying the significance of the high-level visits, the parties noted the effectiveness of the “EU-Turkmenistan” Joint Committee sessions, the Human Right Dialogue, as well as the inter-parliamentary collaboration. Special attention was paid to the cooperation in multilateral formats aimed at the maintenance of economic growth, stability and security in the region. Thus, P.Burian underlined the importance of holding the Days of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Ashgabat in which he also takes place.

The diplomats discussed the cooperation in the field of energy, enhancement of transit-transport routes, healthcare, ecology and education. The effectiveness of the projects and programmes implemented in Turkmenistan in assistance of the European Commission was stated.