Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), on the sidelines of the 17th Turkmenistan–European Union Human Rights Dialogue on June 17, 2025.

As reported by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, the sides discussed regional security issues in the context of the situation in Afghanistan.

The Turkmen side reaffirmed its neutral stance based on the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. Gurbanov emphasized Turkmenistan’s ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan, including humanitarian assistance and support for peace efforts.

Special attention was given to major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan railway and the development of new energy and transport corridors.

Meeting between Turkmen Ombudsperson Yazdursun Gurbannazarova and Head of Cabinet of the European Ombudsman Lambros Papadias, June 17, 2025 (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan)

As part of the 17th Turkmenistan–EU Human Rights Dialogue, a meeting was held between Turkmenistan’s Ombudsperson Yazdursun Gurbannazarova and Lambros Papadias, Head of Cabinet of the European Ombudsman.

During the meeting, both sides praised the potential for collaboration and emphasized the importance of strengthening professional ties between the two institutions. They expressed mutual readiness to engage in regular bilateral cooperation and to carry out practical joint activities.