Political Leaders to Visit Uzbekistan: António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen on Official Trip
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to visit Uzbekistan on April 3–4 to participate in the first EU – Central Asia summit.
The summit, to be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Samarkand, will bring together leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Originally planned for 2024, the summit was rescheduled to 2025 due to the formation of a new EU government last year.
This gathering presents a valuable opportunity for the EU to strengthen its geopolitical commitment to deepening cooperation with Central Asia and fostering regional partnerships. In the current global landscape, with the conflict in Ukraine and ongoing developments in Afghanistan, EU – Central Asia relations are taking on greater strategic significance.
At the summit, the EU aims to reiterate its dedication to bolstering collaboration in key areas of shared interest. These include enhancing transport and digital connectivity both within Central Asia and between the region and the EU, fostering partnerships in strategic raw materials, economics, and security, as well as promoting the shift towards clean and sustainable energy sources.
The upcoming EU – Central Asia summit is anticipated to pave the way for closer ties and mutual benefits between the European Union and the Central Asian countries, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation in various vital fields.
