Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with Marc Lemaître, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), to discuss prospects for deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in scientific research, high technologies, and innovation, the Turkmen Embassy in Belgium reported Wednesday.

The ambassador highlighted that the European Union ranks among Turkmenistan's three key foreign-policy and economic partners for 2025–2026. Priority areas for collaboration include high technologies, the climate agenda, and artificial intelligence development.

Particular attention was given to ecological and climate challenges in Central Asia, including shifts in water balance and the declining level of the Caspian Sea. Both sides stressed the need for science-based analysis, deployment of modern monitoring systems, and adoption of advanced technological solutions.

The Turkmen side presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Innovation and Technologies focused on environmental monitoring and climate research across Central Asia.

Separately, Ambassador Palvanov held talks with Normunds Popens, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC). The parties reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in education, youth policy, and culture.