The European Union considers Turkmenistan a key partner in the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, which strengthens ties between Central Asia and Europe. EU Commissioner for International Cooperation Josef Sikela said that the EU is ready to support the country in this endeavor, as reported in a press release from the EU Delegation in Turkmenistan.

During his visit, Sikela toured the Turkmenbashy International Sea Port on Wednesday and met with Mammethan Chakyyev, the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

“We consider Turkmenistan a key partner for strengthening ties between Europe and Central Asia. By collaborating within the Global Gateway initiative, particularly through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we are creating faster and safer trade routes that will open new business opportunities, attract investments, and create jobs. Our joint efforts aim to reduce the trade route between Europe and Asia to just 15 days and focus on transforming Turkmenistan into an important trade center between Asia and Europe, providing support to the country in this regard.”

In their bilateral cooperation, the EU and Turkmenistan have already launched two key projects: supporting Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization and developing renewable energy through the GIZ initiative. Commissioner Sikela also welcomed Turkmenistan’s participation in the Global Methane Pledge, emphasizing the importance of environmentally sustainable solutions for the future of energy.

The International Trans-Caspian Transport Route (Middle Corridor) connects countries in Europe and Asia, passing through China, Kazakhstan, the waters of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This route facilitates container transportation via rail and sea.