Turkmenistan took part in the anniversary Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, where a roundtable titled The Centrality of Central Asia focused on expanding cooperation between the European Union and Central Asian countries. The Turkmen Embassy in Belgium reported on Tuesday.

The discussion involved Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova, representatives from other Central Asian states, as well as the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.

The dialogue covered issues including transport and energy connectivity, digital cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people contacts. Participants emphasized Central Asia’s strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Turkmenistan highlighted its investments in transport infrastructure, including the construction of highways and railways, and the development of the international Turkmenbashi seaport as a multimodal gateway to the Caspian and European regions.

In the energy sector, focus was placed on diversifying supply routes, exploring new cooperation formats such as gas swaps, and advancing the “green” energy track.

Byashimova stressed that Central Asia bears responsibility for building a sustainable and secure bridge between East and West. Turkmenistan stands ready to share its experience in neutrality, transport, and energy solutions to strengthen regional stability.

Roundtable participants noted the high level of political dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to further developing existing and new cooperation frameworks between the EU and Central Asia.