Turkmen Ambassador met with the European Commission's head for research and innovation

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Sapar Palwanow, held a meeting with Marc Lemaître, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). The parties discussed future opportunities for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the fields of scientific research, high technologies, and innovation. This was reported on Wednesday by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium.

The Ambassador noted that the European Union stands as one of Turkmenistan's three main foreign policy and economic partners in 2025–2026. High technologies, the development of artificial intelligence, and the climate agenda were highlighted among the priority areas of cooperation.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the environmental and climate challenges of Central Asia, including changes in the water balance and the receding water levels of the Caspian Sea. The necessity of conducting science-based analysis, implementing modern monitoring systems, and using advanced technological solutions was also emphasized.

The Turkmen side presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Innovation and Technology in Central Asia, focused on environmental monitoring and climate research.

Additionally, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palwanow, met with Normunds Popens, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture (DG EAC). The sides discussed possibilities for deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the fields of education, youth policy, and culture.