The 20th meeting of top diplomats from the European Union and Central Asian countries took place in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on Thursday. The event, held at the Ýyldyz Hotel, brought together top diplomats from the region to discuss key issues of international cooperation.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas chaired the meeting, which included the participation of the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Meder Abakirov.

The diplomats focused on developing multilateral cooperation and preparing for the upcoming EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand. They addressed a wide range of pressing issues, including climate change mitigation, the development of transport corridors, energy cooperation, scientific and educational exchanges, regional security, and water resource management.

They paid special attention to preparing for the second launch of the coordination platform for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which took place in October 2024 in Ashgabat.

They also discussed the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which aims to foster innovative solutions in the digital sector, energy, healthcare, and education.

The Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the country's commitment to the principles of neutrality and good neighborliness, demonstrating its readiness for constructive international dialogue.

As part of her visit to Ashgabat, Kaja Kallas also plans to meet with the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.