European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela begins his week-long visit to five Central Asian countries on March 12, including Turkmenistan.

In connection with the visit, Jozef Sikela gave an interview to the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan”, where he spoke about the topics of his meetings in Turkmenistan, as well as about the key factors in strengthening relations between the European Union and Turkmenistan.

"My meetings in Turkmenistan will focus on economic modernization, green energy, transport links and trade reforms. In particular, the Global Gateway initiative serves as an effective tool for deepening cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, reducing methane emissions and the country's accession to the World Trade Organization," Sikela said.

He noted that discussions would also focus on human rights and public administration reforms, which remain key factors in strengthening relations between the European Union and Turkmenistan.

In addition, special attention will be paid to strategic projects such as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and improving the investment climate.

"The International Sea Port of Turkmenbashi is a strategic point for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. There are opportunities to expand cooperation in the areas of green energy, transport, trade facilitation and modernization of the regulatory framework," the European Commissioner stressed.

The European Union is particularly interested in supporting measures to reduce methane emissions and develop renewable energy sources in line with Turkmenistan's National Climate Change Strategy. Another promising area is transport, and the EU is working to improve connections through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, Jozef Sikela said.

In addition, trade reforms and support for WTO accession could help Turkmenistan better integrate into global markets.

Speaking about the joint projects being implemented, the European Commissioner noted that within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative, the EU has launched two major projects in Turkmenistan: one is aimed at the country's accession to the World Trade Organization and simplification of trade procedures, and the other is aimed at supporting the development of renewable energy sources and reducing methane emissions.

“At the regional level, Turkmenistan successfully implements projects under EU-supported initiatives in the areas of water management, energy efficiency, transport connectivity and a wide range of other EU regional programmes, including border management, combating drug trafficking, vocational training, healthcare and support to civil society.In addition, the European Investment Bank is expected to begin negotiations on a framework agreement to further support infrastructure and improve the business climate,” J. Sikela summed up.

Let us remind that J. Sikela took office as EU Commissioner in December 2024.

Earlier we reported that European Commissioner Sikela would visit Turkmenistan.