Planning for Ashgabat Summit: First EU-Central Asia Meeting
Ashgabat to Host Ministerial Meeting for EU-Central Asia Summit
Ashgabat is set to be the venue for the 20th ministerial meeting of representatives from the European Union and Central Asia on March 4th. The primary focus of this meeting will be preparations for the first-ever European Union – Central Asia Summit, scheduled to take place on April 3-4, 2025 in Samarkand under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan will also be in attendance, with the European Union being represented by President of the European Council, António Costa, and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU Delegation to Uzbekistan has expressed that this event presents a pivotal opportunity for the EU to showcase its geopolitical interest in strengthening ties with Central Asia. Cooperation in areas such as security, economy, transport, digital connectivity, energy, and strategic raw materials is expected to be discussed and expanded upon during the meeting.
The upcoming summit holds significant importance against the backdrop of global geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties. It is anticipated that this event will enhance multifaceted cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, fostering stability, security, and sustainable development in accordance with international law. In a world marked by chaos and fragmentation, building partnerships and active engagement are crucial for achieving peace and prosperity.
The EU’s strategy towards Central Asia underscores the growing significance of the region for the European Union and aims to establish a robust and inclusive partnership that supports the region’s development as a sustainable and interconnected economic and political entity.
Turkmenistan, a key player in the Central Asia region, places great emphasis on its cooperation with the European Union across various domains such as politics, diplomacy, trade, economics, culture, and humanitarian endeavors. The “Central Asia – European Union” format serves as a vital mechanism for expanding cooperation, with successful implementation of programs and projects in trade, transportation, digitalization, environment, energy, as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres.
During a recent press conference highlighting Turkmenistan’s partnership with the EU, the significance of the Joint Roadmap for deepening ties between Central Asia and the EU was underscored. This roadmap encompasses critical areas of inter-regional dialogue, trade, energy, climate initiatives, and addressing common security challenges.
Overall, the forthcoming EU-Central Asia Summit signifies a milestone in the relationship between the two regions, aiming to bolster collaboration and address shared challenges for a more prosperous and stable future.
[ORIENT]Photo: AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert
