Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas emphasized Turkmenistan's pivotal role as a key partner of the European Union (EU) in Central Asia at a press briefing held at the Yyldyz hotel in Ashgabat on Wednesday. Schinas underscored Central Asia's stability and positive transformative spirit.
The Vice President's tour across all five Central Asian countries exemplifies the EU's proactive regional involvement. Starting his journey in Kazakhstan, Schinas visited Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan before concluding his working visit to Turkmenistan.
Highlighting the positive changes in Central Asia, Schinas announced the EU's commitment to a substantial investment agenda focusing on connectivity. He also emphasized Central Asia's strategic position as a natural bridge connecting East and West, making it well-suited to benefit from the Global Gateway initiative.
In meetings with political leaders from the five Central Asian governments, Schinas observed their interest in the connectivity investment scheme.
Concluding the press conference, Schinas announced that the 'Global Gateway: Sustainable Transport Connectivity between Europe and Central Asia' Forum will play a crucial role in translating these ideas into concrete actions. The forum aims to bring together political representatives from all Central Asian countries, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and private investors.
As part of his visit, Margaritis Schinas met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov in Ashgabat on Wednesday.