Turkmenistan’s Finance Minister Meets with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships

In the margins of the Global Gateway 2025 Forum, the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Mammetguly Astanagulov, had a valuable opportunity to exchange views with the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela. Their conversation took place both during the main plenary session of the forum and later at a working dinner hosted at the invitation of Commissioner Síkela, with the participation of delegation heads and senior representatives of the forum’s member countries.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union, as well as upcoming joint initiatives. The Minister informed the Commissioner about Turkmenistan’s plans to organize the first-ever EU–Turkmenistan Business Forum next year and invited Commissioner Síkela to personally attend this landmark event.

Special attention was given to the discussion of the EU–Central Asia Economic Forum, which takes place every two years. It was noted that the current edition will be held in Uzbekistan in 2025, while the next forum is planned to be hosted by Turkmenistan in 2027. The Turkmen side underlined that Turkmenistan possesses all the necessary infrastructure to host major international conferences and forums, actively takes the initiative in organizing such events, and is increasingly becoming an important venue for international dialogue.

The Minister also invited Commissioner Jozef Síkela to participate in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will take place on 12 December 2025 in Turkmenistan, marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. It was emphasized that this high-level gathering will bring together world leaders and representatives of international organizations, serving as another important platform for promoting the principles of peace, trust, and international cooperation.

Commissioner Jozef Síkela, for his part, warmly recalled his visit to Turkmenistan earlier this year, during which he had the unique opportunity to meet with the President of Turkmenistan. He expressed his deep appreciation for the hospitality extended and the excellent organization of his visit, asking to convey his sincere gratitude and warm regards to the President.

They also noted the active participation of EU institutions and international financial organizations in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held earlier this year in Avaza, Turkmenistan. The Commissioner was thanked for the constructive engagement of European institutions in the conference and for their effective cooperation with the Turkmen side.

The meeting and exchange of views took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the mutual commitment of both sides to further strengthen dialogue and deepen practical cooperation in the economic and investment spheres.

Source of information: Business Turkmenistan