AKIPRESS.COM - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan said.

They discussed a wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation between Ashgabat and Brussels in bilateral and multilateral formats.

The sides agreed to continue active contacts, including in the framework of High-Level Political and Security Dialogue of the EU and the countries of Central Asia on May 17 in Brussels, the 18th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in November, the Joint Bilateral Committee in Ashgabat in October, EU-Turkmenistan Human Rights Dialogue set for July in Brussels, as well as the Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue in November-December in the Turkmen capital.

Other issues of discussion included prospects of cooperation in energy and transport sectors, where existing great potential opportunities were noted.

One of the main issues discussed during the meeting was cooperation in climate change response, environmental protection and ensuring environmental safety.

The parties agreed on the need to promote cooperation in this area through specific programs and projects, including programs on biodiversity conservation, water resources and protection of fragile ecosystems.

An agreement was reached on the preparation of a roadmap of joint actions within the framework of bilateral and interregional agendas following the visit of Terhi Hakala to Turkmenistan.