On November 12, the seventh meeting of the EU–Central Asia Dialogue on Afghanistan was held in Brussels, attended by representatives of regional countries and European Union institutions. Turkmenistan was represented at the forum by its Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, as reported to Turkmenportal by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium.
The meeting discussed issues of sustainable development, regional connectivity, and humanitarian support for Afghanistan. The Turkmen side emphasized that stability in Afghanistan can be achieved through economic integration and infrastructure projects.
The TAPI gas pipeline, which is intended to connect energy suppliers and consumers from Central to South Asia, topped the agenda. According to preliminary estimates, the project will create thousands of jobs and provide transit revenues to Afghanistan.
Electricity transmission projects were also discussed, including increasing Turkmen electricity exports to Afghanistan. Turkmenistan noted the importance of such initiatives for stabilizing border provinces and developing small and medium-sized businesses.
The day before, on November 11, Ambassador Palvanov met with EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais and EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Gilles Bertrand. The European side expressed interest in the practical steps taken by regional countries regarding Afghanistan.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to continue constructive interaction on issues of sustainable development, cross-border cooperation, and economic integration.
