BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. Turkmenistan and
Lithuania discussed opportunities to expand trade and economic
cooperation, including transport and logistics links through the
Central Asia-European Union format, during a meeting in
Ashgabat.
This was reported in a press release issued by the Mejlis
(Parliament) of Turkmenistan, following a meeting held on October 1
between representatives of Turkmenistan’s Mejlis and a Lithuanian
delegation led by Dainius Varnas, chairman of the Lithuanian
Seimas’ interparliamentary friendship group with Turkmenistan.
The sides discussed further development of bilateral
cooperation, including in the trade, economic, cultural and
humanitarian spheres.
According to the Mejlis, Lithuanian representatives said the
Central Asia-European Union format provides opportunities to
develop political dialogue and transport and logistics corridors
between the countries of the region.
The sides also highlighted interparliamentary dialogue as an
important component of bilateral cooperation, including the
exchange of experience in legislative work.
Lithuania and Turkmenistan established diplomatic relations in
1992. Bilateral ties have since included political dialogue, trade
and economic cooperation, as well as contacts in the transport,
education and cultural spheres.
Trade between the two countries remains relatively modest but
has included Lithuanian exports of machinery, electrical equipment,
chemicals and other industrial goods. Lithuania has also sought to
expand economic engagement with Turkmenistan through business
delegations and bilateral contacts.
Transport and logistics have become an increasingly relevant
area of cooperation. Lithuania, as an EU member and a Baltic state
with access to the Baltic Sea, can provide a link between Central
Asian markets and Northern Europe, while Turkmenistan is developing
its position as a transport hub on routes connecting Central Asia
with the Caspian Sea and beyond.
