Barroso: EU wants to strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, June 26 / Trend H.Hasanov / The European Union (EU) wants to maintain and strengthen the harmonious relations with Turkmenistan, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a letter to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. "The European Union, wishing to maintain and strengthen the harmonious relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union has decided to appoint Aurelia Bouchez under your Excellency as Head of EU Delegation to Turkmenistan with residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan," the letter said. According to the Turkmen government, the Turkmen President in Ashgabat received the credentials of Bouchez. It was noted at the meeting that the EU shows "sincere interest in a comprehensive expansion of multi-year productive dialogue with Turkmenistan, which is a strategic partner, now occupying key positions in the Central Asian region, and practicing a constructive approach to building an effective model of regional and interregional cooperation." Berdimuhamedov stressed that the strengthening of traditional relations with the European Union is one of the most important aspects of foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan, consistently implementing the policy of broad international cooperation in the common interests. At the meeting the sides exchanged views on aspects of a mutually beneficial partnership, established in the political, economic, humanitarian and ecological fields. The EU already has in its portfolio signed with Turkmenistan a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the energy field. At this stage, under the national program several joint projects are being implemented in Turkmenistan. The Europa House has also opened in Ashgabat.