Turkmenistan Highlights Energy, Security and Green Transition at Central Asia–Germany Dialogue in Berlin
Berlin, The Gulf Observer: A high-level meeting between the German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and the leadership of foreign ministries of Central Asian countries was held in Berlin, reaffirming the growing momentum of the Central Asia–Germany partnership.
Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov, who participated in the plenary session of the Central Asia–Germany format. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, strengthening regional partnerships, and addressing key security and economic priorities.
In his address, Gurbanov underscored the importance of reinforcing strategic dialogue between Germany and Central Asian states, expressing appreciation to the German side for the excellent organization of the meeting. He noted that cooperation between Central Asia and Germany remains constructive and consistent, while emphasizing the need to elevate the partnership to a qualitatively new level commensurate with the substantial joint potential of the parties.
Focus on Regional Security and Economic Potential
The plenary session placed significant emphasis on regional security, highlighting the necessity of deepening political and diplomatic collaboration to maintain stability and predictability across Central Asia and neighboring regions.
On the economic front, the Turkmen side underlined the vast potential of cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. Priority sectors identified include transport and logistics, energy, industrial production, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, agro-industry, water management, and advancements in information technology and artificial intelligence. The prospects of establishing joint manufacturing, service, and educational centers across the region were also highlighted.
Within the climate agenda, Turkmenistan commended Germany’s leadership in advancing environmental initiatives and acknowledged the contribution of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in implementing sustainable development projects.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Berlin Declaration of Ministers, designed to provide additional impetus to multilateral cooperation within the Central Asia–Germany framework.
Engagement with German Business Community
Following the plenary session, Gurbanov participated in a joint meeting between the foreign ministers and representatives of the German business community. The Turkmen delegation emphasized the longstanding positive cooperation with German companies and financial institutions.
Special appreciation was extended to the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations for its systematic efforts to promote business ties, including the organization of the “Days of Economy of Turkmenistan” in Frankfurt am Main in October 2025.
Key areas for expanded cooperation include modernization of railway infrastructure, development of the Turkmenbashy International Seaport, enhancement of East–West transit corridors and the Middle Route linking Asia and Europe, as well as collaboration in hydrogen energy, green transition projects, textiles, agriculture, water management, and digital technologies.
Particular attention was also given to strengthening financial and banking cooperation and building on successful healthcare partnerships.
High-Level Political Meetings
On the sidelines of the event, Deputy Minister Gurbanov took part in a joint meeting with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal President of Germany. Both sides reaffirmed the steady development of Turkmen–German relations and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in transport, energy, green transformation, education, and healthcare. They also highlighted collaboration on international platforms, particularly within the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Gurbanov also held discussions with Dominik Mutter, Director of the Political Department of the German Federal Foreign Office, covering political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian dimensions of bilateral ties.
In addition, he participated in a joint meeting hosted by Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, alongside delegations from Central Asian foreign ministries. The sides commended the dynamic growth of inter-parliamentary cooperation and emphasized the importance of strengthening contacts between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the German Bundestag, including through parliamentary friendship groups and regular exchanges.
At the conclusion of the meetings, the Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to further intensify mutually beneficial cooperation with Germany both bilaterally and within the Central Asia–Germany format, signaling a new phase of strategic engagement between the region and Europe’s largest economy.
