EU to open delegation in Turkmenistan next year

By Yusuf Hatip

BRUSSELS

The European Union will open a delegation in the central Asian republic of Turkmenistan, the bloc said on Friday.

The new delegation, set to open next year, will operate in the capital Ashgabat, said the EU’s European External Action Service (EEAS) in a statement.

The statement quoted EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini saying: “Fast-changing regional dynamics and the growing importance of sustainable connectivity between Europe and Asia bring Central Asia to the of our attention.”

“Countries in the region, especially Turkmenistan, are increasingly looking to the EU as a reliable partner for reforms, modernization and to face the global challenges of today,” added Mogherini, who paid a visit to Ankara this week.

“By opening a new Delegation, we are responding positively to these demands and sending a strong signal to the Turkmen and European citizens about our engagement,” she added.

With the addition of Turkmenistan, the number of EU delegations across the world will rise to 141.