Panama hit by 6.2-magnitude quake – no tsunami risk
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Panama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS)...
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
The summit brings together the leaders of all five Central Asian nations alongside EU officials, including the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. Discussions will center on strengthening connectivity, trade, and environmental cooperation while addressing regional security challenges.
EU Special Representative Eduards Stiprais emphasized the significance of the summit, stating, "We see this as a partnership in areas of common interest to both regions because we see Central Asia as an important partner in economic development and in political dialogue." He also noted Central Asia's geographic importance, saying, "It is at the very heart of Eurasia, providing both East-West and North-South connectivity."
The EU has committed €550 million through the Global Gateway program to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother trade routes. Stiprais highlighted the EU’s investment role, explaining, "The EU is overall the second most important trading partner of Central Asia. If I am not mistaken, about 40% of all foreign direct investment in the region comes from Europe."
Key economic sectors of interest include critical raw materials, renewable energy, and technology. Speaking on the importance of critical raw materials, Stiprais remarked, "In the 21st century, what we call critical raw materials are the new critical area. We need them to make the green transition."
The EU also supports the certification of Kazakhstani products, such as honey and grain, for export to European markets. "Any producer can access the European market if they comply with, sometimes very strict, health and safety regulations," Stiprais explained, adding that the EU provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with these standards.
Regarding energy cooperation, nuclear power remains a debated topic within the EU, with member states holding differing positions. "We are not against nuclear energy. Many of our countries use it successfully and even build new reactors," Stiprais noted. However, he stressed that "nuclear safety, the safe handling of nuclear fuel, and the technological processes used are of paramount importance."
Looking ahead, EU-Central Asia cooperation is expected to deepen, with a strong focus on trade, investment, and regional integration. Stiprais expressed optimism, stating, "I see a very bright future. Our cooperation is not something artificial... We have a huge mutual interest in working together." Drawing from its own experience, the EU believes that closer economic ties will bring long-term benefits, positioning Central Asia as a key partner in global economic and political affairs
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A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
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French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
President of Turkmenistan has issued a decree abolishing the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers and establishing five new state bodies aimed at 'significantly' improving the management of the country’s transport and communications sector.
Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has abolished units working on inter-agency coordination of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process, which is considered as a part of a broader effort to halt the country’s integration into the European Union.
Clashes between Druze and Bedouin Arab tribes continue in Syria’s southern Sweida province, near the Jordanian border, while six soldiers were killed in an attack by Druze forces on Syrian army units deployed to restore order in the area.
The High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
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