The Foreign Ministry has held video conference session under European Union Central Asia Afghanistan format on the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries (Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with participation of the Secretary General of European Foreign Service Mrs Helga Schmidt.
During the meeting, the sides have discussed issues of development of regional cooperation as well as cooperation of Central Asian countries with European Union in security sphere.Preparation to regular round of Central Asia European Union Session on ministerial level, the first Green Economy Forum in EU Central Asia format as well as implementation of new EU strategy for Central Asia were separate subjects of discussion.
Constructive character of foreign course of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who focuses on the necessity of further expansion of relations between the EU, Central Asian countries and Afghanistan in all directions presenting mutual interest of the sides, has been noted.
In this context, the importance of enhancement of efficiency of multilateral dialog and cooperation for stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan has been highlighted. Positive practice of Turkmenistan in support of social and economic development of neighboring country as well as initiative of Turkmen leader on provision of political space for inter-Afghan negotiations have been noted.
Secretary General of European Foreign Service Helga Schmidt has made special mention that European Union welcomes and supports the activity of the UN Regional Center of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia located in Ashgabat as well as plans to support further work of the Center in future.
Important of efficient implementation of European Union Programs BOMCA, CADAP, regional EU Central Asia platform for supremacy of law has been noted at the meeting.
Coordination of efforts in recovery of social and economic impact of the pandemic, provision of social protection of the population in new realities, introduction of digital technologies in the process of transit to green economy’ in Central Asia have also been discussed during the talks.