Teri Hakala, concluding her mission as the European Union’s Special Representative for Central Asia, visited Turkmenistan as part of her farewell tour.
On Friday, the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan reported that Teri Hakala shared her impressions of working with Turkmenistan and highlighted important achievements in cooperation. She emphasized that since she began her role in 2021, relations between the European Union and Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, have significantly strengthened.
“Cooperation with Turkmenistan has become an important part of the overall strengthening of ties between the EU and Central Asia. Our leaders have held several meetings, signaling a deepening of interaction,” Hakala noted. “Turkmenistan actively participates in global initiatives, such as joining the World Trade Organization and committing to reduce methane emissions. The European Union supports these efforts through programs and funding.”
She also discussed the significance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which has become an important project in the EU's strategy to strengthen connections with Central Asia.
Teri Hakala mentioned that a key achievement was the adoption of the Joint Roadmap for EU-Central Asia, which encompasses a range of areas from improving transport and digital infrastructure to addressing water resource issues and green economy initiatives. She also noted that the Global Gateway initiative continues to advance projects, including those in transport and energy, towards a more sustainable and interconnected region.
Teri Hakala specifically highlighted Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. She stated that this is an important step in reinforcing principles of peacekeeping and conflict prevention, which form the foundation of the foreign policies of both the EU and Turkmenistan.
“Preventive diplomacy promoted by Turkmenistan plays a key role in ensuring sustainable peace. We must continue to support a rules-based international order,” she concluded.
In the interview's closing, Hakala expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for productive cooperation and emphasized that further strengthening of relations would contribute to sustainable development and prosperity in the region.
Teri Hakala also met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on December 11, 2024. The parties noted significant successes in strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussed key directions for further partnership development.
