On 14 July, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held meetings in Jakarta with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

During the talks with ASEAN leaders, the parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, trade, investment, the digital economy, innovation, education, science, tourism and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Issues relating to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, adaptation to climate change, ensuring food and energy security, digital transformation and skills development were also discussed.

At the meeting with the Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, the main focus was on expanding trade and economic ties, cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry and business communities, holding joint forums and exhibitions, and developing cooperation in transport and logistics.

As part of the visit, the first political consultations took place between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Indonesia. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations, the international and regional agenda, and new areas of cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the development of political contacts, inter-parliamentary cooperation, collaboration between relevant ministries, and the strengthening of cooperation within international organisations.

The parties also considered the prospects for expanding Turkmenistan’s partnership with ASEAN, including the initiative to establish a ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format, as well as the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, educational, scientific and cultural spheres.