EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan visits Lebap velayat
On 30-31 March 2023, the European Union Ambassador to Turkmenistan Diego Ruis Alonso paid a working visit to Turkmenabad in Lebap velayat. Mr Ambassador met with representatives of the local administration, the private sector and NGOs.
Mr Alonso met with the hyakims of Lebap velayat and city Turkmenabad. The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of environment, culture and education. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan's provinces as a fundamental element in the EU-Turkmenistan bilateral relations.
As part of the visit, meetings were also held with NGOs Täze Zaman and the Lebap branch of the National Red Crescent Society. Täze Zaman, which works with the population of the region on issues of gender equality, prevention of human trafficking, domestic violence and promotion of opportunities and development of young people, explained the main areas of their work and informed about the hotline available in Lebap velayat on +993 (422) 34550.
The National Red Crescent Society, which has been working in Turkmenistan since 1926, also works with youth in Lebap velayat, therefore 4 youth centres have been opened in this region. According to a good tradition, Mr Ambassador planted a tree in the territory of the Red Crescent.
EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan in Lebap
During his working visit, Diego Ruis Alonso also met with representatives of the private sector who had benefited from EU-funded projects, such as the EBRD's "Support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Turkmenistan" programme. The private catering company Alpizza and the private hosiery producer Bat Tekstil shared their experience of working with the EBRD and the changes that have taken place following the receipt of EU funding.
On 31 March 2023, the European Union Delegation in Turkmenistan supported a joint initiative of USAID and UNESCO and jointly launched the third phase of the "Lebap Handmade Export" programme. EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Diego Ruis Alonso, USAID Country Representative to Turkmenistan Nino Nadiradze, and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, Chinar Rustamova, together conducted an opening ceremony of the programme and launched the handicraft exhibition at the Museum of History and Local Lore of the Lebap region. Around 40 artisans' handicrafts were displayed for guests to see. In his speech, the Ambassador stressed the importance of international donors joining forces to face the global challenges, one of which is the preservation of cultural heritage.
