10/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - Ashton reports on EU-Turkmenistan relations. On 9 April, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton met Turkmen Minister for Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov. Ashton reiterated the EU's support for furthering economic and political reform in Turkmenistan, and she encouraged the reforms announced following the presidential election in February 2012. She also stressed the importance of EU-Turkmenistan cooperation on strengthening the rule of law and promoting judicial reform, and she stressed the EU's concern about the human rights situation there. According to Freedom House, Turkmenistan remains among “the most repressive states in the world” (see EUROPE 10790). Ashton also welcomed Turkmenistan's “constructive regional role”, including on issues of security, energy and water. In addition, she hailed Turkmenistan's efforts towards reconstruction and lasting peace in Afghanistan. In Ashton's view, cooperation on energy is an important element of EU-Ashgabat relations. (CG/transl.fl)