Turkmenistan and EU Discuss Regional Security and Afghanistan

Turkmenistan and the EU met to address regional security and the situation in Afghanistan.

According to Turkmen media reports on Friday, June 20, Ahmad Kurbanov, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, met with Paola Pampaloni, Managing Director for Asia at the European External Action Service, to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, Kurbanov emphasized that Turkmenistan is committed to promoting initiatives aimed at fostering lasting peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan. He highlighted that Ashgabat supports humanitarian assistance projects to help Afghan civilians during these challenging times.

The discussions also covered major infrastructural ventures, such as the planned Turkmenistan-Afghanistan railway and new energy and transport corridors. These projects aim to enhance regional connectivity and spur economic cooperation despite ongoing security and political uncertainties.

Although Turkmenistan has not officially recognized the Taliban regime, it maintains pragmatic relations with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, recently described relations with Turkmenistan as “good,” especially concerning trade and infrastructure initiatives.

Experts believe these diplomatic engagements reflect Turkmenistan’s strategic interest in regional stability, especially concerning its significant energy exports and transit ambitions. Cooperation with the European Union offers Turkmenistan an avenue for garnering international support for its humanitarian and infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, the lack of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and ongoing restrictions on the rights of women and other vulnerable groups present serious challenges for the country’s stability and progress. Women continue to face barriers to education, employment, and public life, undermining the social and economic development of the entire society. Without meaningful participation from all segments of the population and guaranteed access to education for girls and women, Afghanistan’s prospects for sustainable peace and prosperity will remain limited.

These challenges call for urgent international attention and long-term solutions to ensure that every citizen has the right to contribute to their country’s future.

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