On September 3, a meeting was held in The Hague between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Christopher Jonker, Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands on Foreign Policy and Defence Affairs. The meeting focused on opportunities for further development of Turkmen-Dutch relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The parties emphasized the importance of enhancing political dialogue, expanding bilateral cooperation, as well as strengthening interaction within the framework of the Turkmenistan–European Union format. During the talks, an exchange of views was held on current international and regional issues. The Turkmen side presented the country’s foreign policy approaches based on its legal status of permanent neutrality, emphasizing the importance of preventive diplomacy, political dialogue and peaceful means in resolving international issues.
Particular attention was paid to the development of economic cooperation. The parties discussed opportunities to increase the participation of Dutch businesses in projects being implemented in Turkmenistan. In this regard, prospects for cooperation in such areas as shipbuilding, development of maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane emission reduction were considered. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to assist in organizing visits of leading Dutch companies’ executives to Turkmenistan, as well as meetings with representatives of relevant state institutions and business communities.
The meeting also addressed issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The parties noted the importance of the World Championship in equestrian sports and beauty competition among Akhal-Teke horses being held in the Limburg region. The Turkmen delegation expressed gratitude for the conditions created to ensure the successful organization of this international event at a high level. It was emphasized that the shared interest of both countries in equestrian traditions provides broad opportunities for further strengthening cultural and social ties between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands.
