BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Turkmenistan and
the Benelux countries discussed the possibility of mutual visa
exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders.
This was reported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium
following a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Sapar
Palvanov and Benelux Union Secretary-General Ariadne Petridis in
Brussels.
According to the embassy, Palvanov stressed the timeliness of
exploring joint work on mutual visa exemption for holders of
diplomatic and service passports.
“Such a step could serve as a practical mechanism supporting the
growing intensity of official exchanges,” the embassy quoted the
ambassador as saying.
According to the embassy, the arrangement could facilitate
political dialogue, high-level visits and institutional
cooperation.
Petridis outlined the existing Benelux practice and relevant
procedures in this area. She also expressed readiness to facilitate
further dialogue on the issue within the competence of the Benelux
Union’s General Secretariat.
Meanwhile, visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport
holders are generally designed to facilitate official travel rather
than tourism or private visits. Such arrangements can make it
easier for government officials and diplomats to attend bilateral
meetings, international events and institutional consultations.
For Turkmenistan, an arrangement with the Benelux countries
could facilitate contacts with Belgium and the Netherlands, which
have important roles in European political and economic affairs.
Brussels is also a major center for EU institutions, making Belgium
particularly relevant for Turkmenistan’s engagement with European
structures.
The Netherlands is significant for Turkmenistan through trade,
investment, logistics and business ties. Easier travel for
officials could help maintain more regular government-level
contacts and support discussions involving economic
cooperation.
