From 13 to 24 May 2024, five representatives from various institutions of Turkmenistan, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took part in a specialized training for diplomats and officials of Central Asia on EU Foreign Policy, which took place in Bruges, Belgium.

This unprecedented two-week training, which was attended by 25 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, was organized by the College of Europe and funded by the European Union.

The program provided participants with an in-depth understanding of EU foreign and security policy, as well as the EU’s relations with Central Asia. The sessions covered a variety of topics, including key players in EU politics, an overview of EU institutions and decision-making processes, and strategies for negotiations with the EU. Practical exercises and simulations of negotiations between EU member states offered participants practical experience, and a fireside chat with Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe and former senior EU diplomat, provided valuable insights into EU diplomatic practice.

The program also includeed a study tour to Brussels and socio-cultural activities to enrich the participants’ experience. Distinguished speakers included Federica Mogherini, former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia; and David O’Sullivan, EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, among others.

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, also participated in the opening and closing ceremonies of the training in the presence of Federica Mogherini and officials from the European External Action Service.

The purpose of the training was to strengthen diplomatic ties and increase understanding of EU policies among representatives of Central Asia, which contributes to more effective and informed interaction with the European Union, the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic department reports.