Turkmenistan and the European Union are entering a new stage of strategic engagement. The week’s primary political signal was the announcement of preparations for President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's official visit to Brussels. The upcoming high-level talks are designed to transform the legal framework of bilateral relations into a "comprehensive" partnership, Orient.tm reports.
As noted by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, active coordination of dates and the formation of a solid package of bilateral documents are currently underway. For a long time, relations between Turkmenistan and the EU were governed by an Interim Trade Agreement; however, the situation is now fundamentally changing.
The European Parliament intends to move forward with the ratification of the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (CPCA). EU Ambassador Beata Peksa confirmed that this issue will be a key topic at the inter-parliamentary meeting in Brussels scheduled for early March. The ratification of the CPCA will remove the final formal barriers, opening doors for large-scale investments and long-term programs previously restricted by the "interim" status of the relationship.
The President's visit program promises to be highly intensive, featuring negotiations with the leadership of key EU institutions:
- European Commission and European Council: Discussion of high-level political dialogue.
- Energy Security: Meetings with relevant European Commissioners regarding the diversification of energy supplies.
- Digital Transformation and Ecology: Implementing advanced technologies and "green" initiatives.
- Humanitarian Track: Expanding dialogue in education and youth exchanges.
Preparations for the visit come at a time when the EU is actively seeking reliable and predictable partners in energy and logistics under the Global Gateway strategy. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is demonstrating a readiness for a deep modernization of its legal and economic framework.
The transition to full-format cooperation will position Ashgabat as a key strategic partner for Europe in the heart of Central Asia, signaling a new chapter in interregional relations.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 19, 2026