Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov met with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). The two sides discussed prospects for developing cooperation in migration, mobility, visa policy, and protecting the interests of citizens abroad, according to the Turkmen diplomatic mission in Belgium.

The ambassador noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union is entering a more active phase, accompanied by an increase in the number of mutual visits, official contacts, and joint events. He added that it is important to complement the trade, economic, and transport agendas of bilateral relations with practical cooperation in migration and internal affairs.

According to the diplomatic mission, the Turkmen side expressed interest in establishing direct working contacts between the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, DG HOME and the competent authorities of EU member states. It is noted that such interaction could facilitate the prompt exchange of information, the resolution of documentary and consular issues, and increased effectiveness in protecting the interests of Turkmen citizens abroad.

The parties also discussed opportunities to facilitate mutual travel. Specifically, they discussed Turkmenistan's ongoing consultations with the Benelux countries on the issue of mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The parties also reportedly reviewed existing EU mechanisms for improving the conditions for issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas and developing local consular cooperation.

Particular attention, as specified, was paid to the implementation of the National Action Plan of Turkmenistan to combat human trafficking for 2025-2029. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to develop cooperation with European partners, participate in expert exchanges, specialized programs, and joint activities to prevent human trafficking, illegal smuggling of migrants, and transnational organized crime.

In addition, according to the diplomatic mission, the prospects for preparing an expanded partnership and cooperation agreement between Turkmenistan and the European Union were discussed during the conversation. It is noted that the creation of a broader legal framework could facilitate the institutionalization of dialogue in the areas of migration, mobility, visa policy and security.

According to the diplomatic mission, the representative of the European Commission welcomed Turkmenistan's interest in developing cooperation and confirmed DG HOME's readiness to maintain working contacts, conduct preliminary consultations, and exchange information with the Turkmen side.