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.
On April 11, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate in the CIS Foreign Ministers Council and the 8th meeting of Russian and Central Asian foreign ministers—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Both events will be hosted in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The UAE has welcomed a new agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to form a shared border point and sign the Khujand Declaration, expressing hope it will boost peace, cooperation, and development in Central Asia.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
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."
A recent report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has highlighted the critical role of irrigation in water management across Central Asia, where 79% of the region's water is allocated to agricultural use.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 11th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Taiwan will be included in the first group of countries to hold talks with the United States regarding tariffs, President Lai Ching-te announced on Friday.
A tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people on board, including a Spanish family with three children and the pilot.
Hamas has formally requested the UK Home Office to revoke its designation as a “banned organization” in the UK.
The Trump administration has significantly increased efforts to cancel the visas and residency permits of international students, with hundreds of student visas revoked in recent weeks, according to an analysis published by Inside Higher Ed.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 10th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The UAE has welcomed a new agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to form a shared border point and sign the Khujand Declaration, expressing hope it will boost peace, cooperation, and development in Central Asia.
The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, with more than 160 people injured, according to Dominican authorities.
The European Commission is challenging Italy's use of "golden powers" in the banking sector, raising concerns over potential breaches of EU law and prompting a broader debate on investment screening rules across the bloc.
The European Union will begin imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products next week in response to President Donald Trump's sweeping trade measures, joining other global powers in escalating a trade conflict.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 11th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Taiwan will be included in the first group of countries to hold talks with the United States regarding tariffs, President Lai Ching-te announced on Friday.
A tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people on board, including a Spanish family with three children and the pilot.
The Trump administration has significantly increased efforts to cancel the visas and residency permits of international students, with hundreds of student visas revoked in recent weeks, according to an analysis published by Inside Higher Ed.
Britain’s Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Ukraine this week, meeting victims of the war and spotlighting support for wounded veterans in Lviv, his spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 11th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Taiwan will be included in the first group of countries to hold talks with the United States regarding tariffs, President Lai Ching-te announced on Friday.
A tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people on board, including a Spanish family with three children and the pilot.
Hamas has formally requested the UK Home Office to revoke its designation as a “banned organization” in the UK.
The Trump administration has significantly increased efforts to cancel the visas and residency permits of international students, with hundreds of student visas revoked in recent weeks, according to an analysis published by Inside Higher Ed.
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