ICESCO Regional Office officially opened in Baku
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has opened its regional office in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
North Korea has launched a new 5,000-tonne destroyer as part of Kim Jong Un’s plans to expand the country’s naval power far beyond its coastal waters.
U.S. President Donald Trump is closing in on a minerals deal with Ukraine, part of his plan to end the war.
Romanians vote Sunday in a rerun presidential election with far-right eurosceptic George Simion leading the polls, a potential upset that could unsettle markets and raise alarms in the EU and NATO.
Iran plans to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Rome on Friday, ahead of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States scheduled for Saturday, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Romania will return to the polls on May 4 for a rerun of its presidential election, following the unprecedented annulment of the previous vote in December 2024 over alleged Russian interference. A potential second-round runoff is scheduled for May 18.
Russia and North Korea have commenced the construction of a new road bridge across the Tumen River, marking a significant step in expanding their strategic partnership and enhancing bilateral trade links.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment