On May 3, 2017, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan there was a meeting with the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Turkmenistan (with a residence in Baku) Mr. Bert Schoofs, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials. Then, during the conversation, the sides noted with satisfaction the high level of political cooperation between Turkmenistan and Belgium. Expressing interest in further development of relations in the political and trade and economic spheres, the parties put forward a number of proposals for their further deepening. The parties discussed the possibility of establishing close ties between the business structures of the two countries. Proposals were made to develop inter-parliamentary cooperation, by exchanging experience and holding meetings on a regular basis.
The Belgian side noted its commitment to Turkmenistan's initiatives to promote positive neutrality, sustainable development and ensuring energy security, expressing interest in developing cooperation within authoritative international organizations. The parties expressed their commitment to active cooperation in the Energy Charter. In this regard, the Turkmen side invited to take part in the work of the Ashgabat Forum of the Energy Charter on "Towards a multilateral framework agreement on transit of energy resources", which will be held in may this year, and also informed that in November of 2017 in Ashgabat will take place 28th session of the Energy Charter Conference.
In addition, during the talks, the parties discussed prospects for the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as expanding relations in the fields of education, science, sports and tourism. Noting the focus on fruitful and effective cooperation, the Turkmen side expressed its readiness to render full assistance and support to the Ambassador's activities in the new post.
