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The first-ever EU–Central Asia summit is being held in Samarkand, focusing on transport, green energy, and raw materials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined major projects to deepen regional cooperation.
Reporting from Samarkand, Fariza Kalimurzina shared updates on the historic summit bringing together Central Asian leaders and top EU officials for the first time. The event, held between the 3rd and and the 4th of April, highlights growing political and economic ties between the regions.
One major priority is developing transport routes, especially the Trans-Caspian corridor. The EU is ready to fund infrastructure projects, aiming to double cargo traffic from 4.5 million to 10 million tons by 2027.
The EU also plans to invest in Central Asia’s critical raw material sector by supporting mining and processing industries, and by offering training programs to develop local expertise.
Green energy remains a focus, with the EU backing renewable energy projects and aiming to expand high-speed satellite internet access in the region.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that trade between Central Asia and the EU has quadrupled over the past seven years, now totaling 54 billion euros.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his country’s readiness to boost exports of 175 products worth over $2 billion to the EU. He also proposed setting up a regional rare earth metals research centre in Astana to support investment and innovation.
Kazakhstan, which supplies 13% of the EU’s oil and produces 19 of 34 critical materials needed for EU industries, reaffirmed its role as a key energy partner.
The summit is expected to conclude with the signing of the Samarkand Declaration, officially establishing a strategic partnership. Leaders also proposed holding these summits every two years.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
Bone fragments believed to date back to the Middle Ages were found in Eyvazkhanbayli village of Aghdam district, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
Lebanon’s new central bank governor, Karim Souaid, has outlined plans to bolster financial oversight and restore economic stability, including restructuring public debt and addressing long-standing obligations to depositors.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expanded its ground operations in northern Gaza today. The military stated that the operations aim to widen Israel’s buffer zone along the Gaza border.
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