EU Commission President Barroso visits Turkmenistan

Ashgabat 17 January, 2011
 

EU Commission President Barroso visits Turkmenistan

EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso, accompanied by EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, visited Turkmenistan on 14-15 January 2011. He held extensive meetings with President Berdimuhamedov to discuss the full range of the positive and fruitful relations between the European Union and Turkmenistan.

President Barroso said: “Today, the European Union and Turkmenistan are closer partners than ever before. I come with a message of friendship and respect for the economic reforms and ongoing modernization and reforms of Turkmenistan. Our relations are excellent, but there is more we can do to the benefit of our citizens.”

Energy relations were discussed in detail. President Barroso emphasized that Turkmenistan and the European Union shared a strong strategic interest in energy security and the diversification of supplies and exports: “The EU - the world’s largest market – is ready to buy Turkmen gas and to offer its technologies for the development of Turkmenistan’s gas sector. I welcome President Berdimuhamedov’s openness on a Trans-Caspian link. There is a positive momentum which we must use to our mutual benefit.”

The Presidents also discussed a number of regional and sectoral issues, including deeper cooperation in the fields of education and research, support for economic and social reforms, training/capacity building in legal areas and others as well as water and environment issues.

For additional information please contact: Michael.Karnitschnig@ec.europa.eu.
 

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European Union

Europa House
Turkmenistan