The 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union was held

On 22 June 2026, the 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union was held at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Representatives of the relevant ministries and institutions of Turkmenistan took part in the Dialogue.

The participants of the 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union were addressed with welcoming remarks by the Co-Chairs of the Dialogue — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service of the European Union Dietmar Krissler.

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

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

Representatives of the European Union informed the participants about the main provisions of the EU Strategy on Gender Equality presented on 5 March 2026, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening international cooperation in this area and exchanging best practices in ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

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

Following 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.