Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave a brief interview last week to Euronews correspondent Loro Bacquelli, the state news agency TDH reports.
On February 19, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, discussed a visit to Turkmenistan with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews, Pedro Vargas David. On February 27, Pedro Vargas David arrived in Ashgabat, where he was separately received by both father and son Berdimuhamedov, reports Hronika.tm.
Below are the key points from the conversation:
On the situation between Russia and Ukraine:
From a global perspective, Turkmenistan does not support the use of force in international relations, as war is not a solution to emerging situations, a fact that has been repeatedly confirmed in practice.
On water shortages:
This is a major problem for the region. There are three key principles when addressing water issues in Central Asia: adherence to international legal norms, mutual consideration of interests, and the involvement of international organizations, primarily the UN.
Turkmenistan proposes establishing a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian countries to develop mechanisms for managing the region’s transboundary water resources.
On relations with Afghanistan:
We want the Afghan people to build their own state. We also support Afghanistan’s integration into regional and international economic processes and participation in project implementation. We are carrying out joint projects, such as the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission lines, and communication lines to Pakistan via Afghanistan, as well as railways connecting our country with Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan actively participates in various events related to Afghanistan. We recognize the new government's aspiration to stabilize relations with the international community.
On cooperation with the European Union:
There is enormous potential in the energy sector, and mutual interest in this area is growing. The European energy market is one of the largest in the world and requires uninterrupted, large-scale supplies of energy resources to ensure Europe's economic stability.
Turkmenistan is ready to work closely with European partners on natural gas supply issues. One of the key solutions is the implementation of the Trans-Caspian route.
We have always supported the establishment of a full-fledged energy partnership in the Caspian region, including the construction of subsea pipelines to the West. At the same time, legal issues related to the demarcation of the Caspian Sea’s seabed must be addressed.
We advocate for the launch of joint projects in green energy and the supply of electricity to Europe. Turkmenistan is ready to export electricity.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 12, 2025