Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela in Ashgabat on March 12, 2025. They focused on preparations for the first Central Asia–EU summit in Ashgabat and the upcoming ministerial meeting, both seen as key steps in strengthening cooperation.

Turkmenistan and the EU emphasized the need to strengthen their legal framework and enhance joint mechanisms, including the Turkmenistan–EU Joint Committee, the Interparliamentary Dialogue, and the Human Rights Dialogue, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

They also explored ways to expand trade, improve transport infrastructure, and boost energy security. In this context, they discussed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which supports infrastructure projects and investments.

The talks also covered Turkmenistan’s bid to join the World Trade Organization, environmental cooperation, methane emission reduction, and renewable energy development. Both sides highlighted the importance of expanding collaboration in education and science.