The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
The inaugural Central Asia-EU Summit concluded on Friday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the signing of a joint declaration that raised the relationship between the two regions to the level of a strategic partnership. The declaration affirmed the strengthening of cooperation in response to shifting geopolitical challenges.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, with a particular focus on peacefully resolving conflicts, including advocating for a just peace in Ukraine.
The summit participants agreed to initiate a dialogue on counter-terrorism and violent extremism, concentrating on issues such as cybersecurity, border security, threats from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, as well as efforts to combat radicalisation and human trafficking.
The situation in Afghanistan was also discussed, with both sides expressing a commitment to supporting a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan. The importance of advancing women's rights, education, and humanitarian assistance was also highlighted.
Additionally, the EU and Central Asian nations agreed to enhance collaboration in preventing the circumvention of sanctions, particularly in relation to the re-export of high-priority goods.
Progress in resolving the Kyrgyz-Tajik border dispute was acknowledged, along with efforts by Central Asian countries to deepen integration with EU support.
The summit participants also committed to boosting trade, investment, and energy transition cooperation, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. The EU pledged €10 billion ($11.04 billion) in investments to improve transport and infrastructure, particularly along the Trans-Caspian and Middle Corridors.
Climate change was another key topic, with all Central Asian states joining the Global Methane Pledge and agreeing to collaborate with the EU on water management, the restoration of the Aral Sea, and sustainable development in mountainous regions.
The implementation of the summit’s outcomes will be monitored through the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum and future ministerial meetings.
The summit was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, while the EU was represented by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Special envoys from Pakistan, China and Russia held an informal meeting in the Qatari capital on Monday to discuss regional cooperation on Afghanistan...
Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer Baykar has completed its acquisition of historic Italian aviation firm Piaggio Aerospace, paving the way for a...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticised the Federal Reserve, claiming America should be paying ultra-low interest rates similar to Ja...
China, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in advanced talks to establish a new regional cooperation framework that could serve as an alternative to the South...
The US has authorised a potential $510 million sale of munitions guidance kits and related support to Israel, the State Department confirmed on Monday...
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to push back collectively against what he called “hegemonic behaviour”, as defence ministers met for their annual summit in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
China’s annual “Two Sessions” meetings, held from March 4 to 11, offered fresh insight into the country's climate and energy outlook for 2025.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Mongolia on 24-25 June at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
A malfunction in the radar transmission system at the Area Control Center in Milan suspended more than 300 flights at the weekend, across northwest Italy since Saturday evening according to Italy's air traffic controller Enav (National Agency for Flight Assistance).
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of an additional $500 million to Ukraine, following the completion of its eighth review under the country’s $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly criticized AT&T for technical issues that disrupted a national conference call with faith leaders, urging the company’s leadership to address the situation and suggesting his administration may turn to a different carrier in future communications.
France, Spain, Kenya, and several other nations announced on Monday a joint pledge to tax premium-class airline passengers and private jet users, in a move aimed at raising billions of dollars for climate action and sustainable development.
Special envoys from Pakistan, China and Russia held an informal meeting in the Qatari capital on Monday to discuss regional cooperation on Afghanistan, Pakistani envoy Mohammad Sadiq confirmed in a post on X.
Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer Baykar has completed its acquisition of historic Italian aviation firm Piaggio Aerospace, paving the way for a European production base for its unmanned aerial vehicles and civil jets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment