Turkmenistan put forward a series of initiatives to expand cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom at a meeting of foreign ministers held Feb. 26 at Lancaster House, the government complex of the UK Foreign Office, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
In an address to the meeting, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov outlined approaches to building a resilient and competitive economy capable of effectively responding to global challenges. Priority areas included energy and methane-emissions reduction, encompassing modernization of the oil and gas sector, development of advanced hydrocarbon processing, and expanded use of renewable energy sources.
Particular attention was given to expanding cooperation in financial and trade technologies, drawing on London’s role as one of the world’s leading financial centers, as well as to the development of professional services, including legal, consulting and auditing.
Participants also exchanged views on strengthening transport and logistics connectivity and increasing the region’s transit potential.
In closing remarks, Meredov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness for active and substantive engagement both within the new multilateral format and on a bilateral basis, focused on practical and mutually beneficial outcomes. Key regional and international issues were also discussed.
Later the same day, the Turkmen delegation led by Meredov held talks with Professor Timothy Williams of the Institute of Archaeology at University College London. Following the meeting, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Institute of Archaeology UCL.
