The 17th round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place in Brussels on 17 June this year. The meeting, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, allowed the parties to discuss key issues of human rights protection, the rule of law and gender equality. This was reported by the IIC.

The Turkmenistan delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The delegation included representatives of the Ministries of Education, Labour and Social Protection, Internal Affairs, Justice, the Supreme Court, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan.

During the dialogue, the Turkmen side presented progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights (2021-2025), including measures on judicial reform, protection of socio-economic rights and promotion of gender equality. Particular attention was paid to the fulfilment of international obligations, including those under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The parties also discussed cooperation with the UN, the OSCE and other international organisations, emphasising Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue in the field of human rights. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on further developing partnership in this area.