Turkmenistan took part in a high-level meeting in Brussels marking the launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform, a new interregional mechanism aimed at strengthening transport, energy, digital and trade links between Europe and Central Asia through the Caspian, South Caucasus and Black Sea regions, Turkmen Embassy in Belgium reported on Wednesday.
Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union Sapar Palvanov represented Turkmenistan at the meeting. Event brought together representatives of the European Union, ministers and deputy ministers, ambassadors from Central Asian, South Caucasus and Black Sea countries, as well as Turkiye, Ukraine, Moldova, EU member states and international financial institutions.
Discussions focused on the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, modernization of transport infrastructure, digitalization of customs procedures and investment in strategic connectivity projects.
In his remarks, Palvanov highlighted the importance of transport connectivity for sustainable economic growth and international cooperation, Turkmenistan’s potential as a regional transit hub. He pointed to the strategic role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport on the Caspian route and its contribution to multimodal transport networks. He emphasized the significance of Turkmenistan’s railway infrastructure, which links the country with neighboring Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
During the event several documents aimed at advancing the new connectivity agenda were signed. The European Commission reached agreements with international financial institutions on financing transport infrastructure projects, upgrading border-crossing facilities and facilitating trade across the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus.
According to the report, the new platform is intended to serve as a coordination mechanism for investments and projects designed to improve the efficiency of transport and trade corridors linking Europe and Asia.
