Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan. 17 / Trend H.Hasanov /
Turkmen President Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov was invited to the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels (Belgium), an official Turkmen source said on Monday.
Dates will be specified through diplomatic channels.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who recently visited Turkmenistan, voiced the proposal.
At recent talks in Ashgabat, the parties agreed to soon hold political consultations between foreign ministries and begin preparations for intergovernmental agreements, including in the energy field.
Barroso underlined that 2011 should be a landmark in terms of strategic decisions to be made in this area, particularly in the energy sector.
Ashgabat has agreed to begin detailed negotiations on the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline (via the Caspian seabed between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan).
This route could be part of a transnational Nabucco pipeline project, with the realization that Brussels expects to diversify sources of gas supplies, much of which at this stage ensures Russia at the expense of Caspian resources.
Europe is ready to buy Turkmen gas at the border, offer its facilities to develop the fuel and energy sector, and develop deposits, Barroso confirmed, expressing support for Turkmenistan's position towards the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
Specifying collaboration in implementing joint humanitarian projects as a critical aspect of Turkmenistan-EU cooperation, the distinguished guest focused on the intention to give further priority to this sphere, viewing it as very promising, and suggested expanding contacts in the spheres of education, training, vocational training, science and technologies.
In turn, Berdimuhammedov proposed to study the possibility of developing a program of trade and economic cooperation between the parties in the medium and long term.
Turkmenistan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will increase Turkmenistan's share in regional and global trade, Barroso said.
"The accession to the WTO opens new opportunities for attracting foreign investment, creating new jobs, and fostering socio-economic development," he said.
In this regard the EC President called upon Turkmenistan to apply for the accession to the WTO.