On 12 March, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation Jozef Sikela paid a working visit to Turkmenistan. In the context of the growing geopolitical importance of Central Asia, this visit underlines the importance of regional cooperation for the European Union and the special role of Turkmenistan in this process.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan, in particular in areas of mutual interest for Turkmenistan and Europe, such as economic modernization, development of transport links and transition to a green economy.

As part of the visit, the delegation led by the European Commissioner visited the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The European Commissioner met with the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. At the meeting, the parties noted the significant potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which can turn it into a major transit hub between Europe and Asia.

This corridor opens up investment opportunities in logistics, transport and trade, reducing the delivery time of goods to Europe to about 15 days. The parties also emphasized the need to integrate Turkmenistan into regional and global trade networks, modernize infrastructure, and expand opportunities for attracting investment within the framework of the Global Gateway strategy. In this regard, the launch of the Global Gateway platform in Ashgabat in 2024 was announced. The Chairman of the “Turkmendenizderyayollary” Agency and the Head of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport spoke at the meeting. Their speeches covered in detail the potential and investment opportunities of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the Marine Merchant Fleet CJSC, and the Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard. In particular, it was noted that dry cargo vessels with a carrying capacity of 6100 tons are currently being built at the Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard. After the meeting, the guests were acquainted with the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard.