Yesterday and today, President of Turkmenistan Mr. Berdymukhamedov is in the home of the European Union, receiving what RFE/RL calls a “cautiously upbeat welcome“.
Due to the uh, recently traditional privacy attendant to Turkmenistani activities, there will be no press conference afterward. This actually works out for the EU as well, since they are still waiting for that coup de foudre in Central Asia at large: instant Westernization. As ever, the EU can't make up its mind whether to go for the natural gas or the human rights principles. If only it would just all work out on its own, without anyone getting their hands soiled.
According to RFERL, drug traffic will also be discussed:
During his visit, the Turkmen leader is also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and EU foreign-policy chief Javier Solana. Berdymukhammedov's talks with both men are likely to touch on the drug trade emanating from Afghanistan, which borders southeastern Turkmenistan.
Yes, that's a really good idea–and, someone needs to think about the burden on Turkmenistan that Afghanistan's upheaval has been. But as usual, the West (in this case, the EU) attaches a lot of strings to developing new friendships–a “conditionality” that never seems to be satisfied.
EU officials say the “conditionality” spelled out today to Berdymukhammedov will mostly affect whether Turkmenistan can upgrade the Soviet-era trade agreement it has with the EU. An enhancement to a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement would mean closer political contacts and more aid money. The EU has earmarked 30 million euros ($43 million) for the period through 2010. But that sum is dwarfed by the potential windfall that Turkmenistan could reap from direct energy trade with the EU.
Well, USD 43 million would be great for Turkmenistan. Good luck, Mr. Berdymukhamedov. Keep trying: we Central Asia watchers want you in the club, and not just over oil and gas.
Further reading:
New investment climate in Turkmenistan
Mr. B visits the United States
Photo: Asianews.it
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[...] Bboyd informs of the first visit that Turkmenistan's President Berdymukhamedov is paying to the EU, receiving a “cautiously upbeat welcome”. The EU has earmarked 30 million euros ($43 million) for the period through 2010 if Ashgabat is to upgrade the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Share This [...]