The 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place on June 22nd in the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The co-chairs of the Dialogue – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mahri Bashimova and Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service of the European Union Dietmar Krissler – addressed the participants with welcoming speeches.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The parties discussed current directions of cooperation in the field of human rights, including issues of improving national legislation, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring gender equality, and protecting human rights and freedoms.

The Turkmen side presented information on the ongoing work to implement national programs and action plans in the field of human rights, improve the legal system, develop democratic institutions, and strengthen international cooperation in this field.

The representatives of the European Union familiarized the participants of the Dialogue with the main provisions of the European Union Gender Equality Strategy, presented on March 5th, 2026, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening international cooperation in this direction and exchanging best practices in the field of ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

Special attention during the dialogue was paid to issues of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the humanitarian sphere, as well as the further development of regular and constructive interaction based on mutual respect and equal partnership.

Following the results of the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in continuing the human rights dialogue and further strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in areas of mutual interest.