On April 4, the city of Samarkand hosted the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The event was attended by the President of the European Council António Costa, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as heads of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.
In accordance with the agenda, participants discussed prospects for the development of multifaceted relations and practical cooperation between the Central Asian states and the European Union, exchanging views on pressing international and regional political issues.
Particular attention was given to expanding investment cooperation and increasing trade turnover, as well as advancing joint programs and cooperative projects in innovation, green energy, the extractive industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, and digitalization. The continuation of active exchanges in culture, tourism, science, education, and other priority areas was also emphasized.
In his opening remarks, the President of Uzbekistan expressed satisfaction in noting that relations between Central Asia and Europe, which have deep historical roots, are developing and strengthening dynamically.
The constructive and productive meetings held on the eve of the summit demonstrated a clear political will and determination to deepen practical cooperation in the interests of both regions.
The Leader of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the heads of the main political and economic institutions of the European Union for their comprehensive support of integration processes and sustainable development in Central Asia.
According to the President of Uzbekistan, thanks to a shared political will, the profound transformation taking place in the region has become sustainable and irreversible. Trust and good neighborly relations are strengthening, while full-scale cooperation and collaboration are expanding.
“Just seven or eight years ago, there were no prerequisites for this. Borders between individual countries were closed. There was no trade, no transit, no business, no humanitarian exchange. Relations were frozen”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.
This September, Tashkent will host the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region, providing a platform for open and constructive dialogue on all pressing issues of the shared agenda.
The President of Uzbekistan separately highlighted a historic event that took place on the eve of the summit – the entire settlement and signing of agreements on the delimitation of the State Border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
It was emphasized that large-scale investment and infrastructure projects are currently being implemented jointly across the region, supported by investment funds and companies. Intra-regional trade is increasing, and cross-border trade zones are being established. All of these efforts contribute to the region’s sustainable economic development.
According to forecasts by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the region’s GDP is expected to grow by up to 6 percent this year – significantly higher than the average growth rates in other regions.
Special attention was given to joint efforts in shaping a common regional identity, as well as to supporting cultural, humanitarian, and educational exchanges. Branches of leading national universities are being established across the region, and progress is being made on the project for a unified Central Asian visa for foreign tourists.
There has been a marked increase in cooperation between the region and the European Union. Over the past seven years, trade turnover between the countries has multiplied, reaching 54 billion euros. Effective cooperation platforms have been established, and ministerial meetings, forums, and summits are held regularly in all key areas.
The President of Uzbekistan presented his vision for the priorities of further cooperation development in the medium and long term.
First and foremost, the importance of strengthening political dialogue, as well as the legal and institutional framework for multilateral cooperation, was underscored.
The need for joint, comprehensive measures to implement the decision to establish a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union was emphasized.
It was proposed to consider signing a full-fledged Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the two regions to translate the strategic partnership into concrete actions, projects, and programs.
The President of Uzbekistan also advocated for the regular convening of meetings between the heads of foreign affairs ministries to “synchronize positions” on international and regional agendas; the establishment of a “Central Asia – EU” Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, with the first event to be held in Uzbekistan this autumn; and the expansion of collaboration between leading analytical and research centers.
To ensure a systematic approach to the timely implementation of agreements, Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to assume the functions of the summit secretariat until the next meeting.
Investment in economic and technological modernization was identified as a key priority in the partnership.
Currently, the portfolio of ongoing projects with leading European companies and banks exceeds €30 billion.
It was proposed to hold a dedicated session titled “Investment Opportunities of the Two Regions” during the upcoming Tashkent Investment Forum, which would include the presentation of a concept for a Regional Industrial Park for European companies in Uzbekistan.
The signing of the Agreement to open a European Investment Bank office in Tashkent, which took place on the eve of the summit, was welcomed with satisfaction. This development is expected to stimulate the inflow of direct investment from EU countries into Central Asia.
The Head of state also proposed the launch of an Investment Platform to promote large-scale regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector.
Additionally, the President of Uzbekistan proposed several new initiatives. These include the conclusion of a multilateral Agreement on the Protection and Promotion of Investments, the establishment of a joint “Central Asia – EU” Chamber of Commerce, and the adoption of a joint regional program to support small and medium-sized enterprises and women’s entrepreneurship.
Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to host the next Economic Forum and the Investors Forum on Transport Connectivity this year.
Attention was also drawn to the importance of expanding technical assistance from the European Union to enhance the capacity of local exporters, as well as to establish laboratories and centers for standardization and certification.
Another promising area for mutually beneficial partnership was identified as the deepening of cooperation and investment in critical mineral resources.
Uzbekistan has gained positive experience in cooperating with leading European companies in this field. However, the expansion of partnerships in this area is hindered by the lack of effective transport corridors for delivering these goods, as well as finished industrial and agricultural products, to the European market.
In this context, the need to develop coordinated measures and favorable conditions to expand and optimize the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor was emphasized.
“I am confident that these objectives are fully aligned with the goals of the European Global Gateway initiative”, stated the President of Uzbekistan.
To this end, it was proposed to convene, under the auspices of the European Union, a meeting of transport ministers from the countries along this route to develop coordinated approaches.
Strategic importance is being placed on investments in green energy and environmental sustainability.
It was noted that Uzbekistan fully supports the international project for exporting electricity from Central Asia to Europe.
By 2030, the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy balance to 54 percent and commission 24,000 megawatts of green capacity.
The launch of a “Central Asia – EU” Clean Energy Partnership was proposed as an essential platform for cooperation in this field.
To explore financing mechanisms and develop the carbon credit market, it was proposed to establish a working group at the level of heads of relevant agencies.
Investments in human capital also play a significant role in advancing cooperation between the two regions.
The introduction of special quotas for Central Asian countries under the Erasmus+ Program, aimed at training highly qualified specialists, will help achieve this goal.
In addition, to further expand scientific and educational cooperation with Central Asian countries, readiness was expressed to open an office of the “Horizon Europe” program.
An initiative was proposed to develop a joint program for scientific and technological exchange in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data, digitalization, and space research.
The President of Uzbekistan also proposed including the countries of the region in the European Digital Education Action Plan and implementing a partnership roadmap among leading universities.
Notable examples of cultural cooperation include the production of the national ballet “Lazgi” with the participation of European specialists, as well as exhibitions showcasing the historical heritage of Central Asia in major European museums.
As part of ongoing efforts to introduce the global audience to the rich culture of our region, the importance of actively utilizing the platform of the upcoming UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand was especially emphasized to promote the arts of the peoples of Central Asia.
This year, Bukhara is also set to host the first “Central Asia – European Union” tourism forum.
“We count on the support of our European partners in implementing the concept of ‘One Travel – Entire Region’, based on the experience of EU countries, as well as in considering the simplification of visa procedures for tourists from our region”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.
Cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration remains a highly relevant and important area.
The proposal by European partners to launch a dialogue on counterterrorism was supported.
The importance of continuing practical cooperation within the framework of the BOMCA and CADAP programs, as well as consultations on the peaceful development of Afghanistan, was emphasized.
To ensure the effective implementation of the proposed initiatives and agreements, the President of Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a Partnership Committee at the level of Deputy Prime Ministers in the “Central Asia – EU” format, with annual meetings.
Following the summit, a Joint Declaration was adopted, providing for the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two regions.