At the first EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan, EU and Central Asia leaders agreed to elevate relations between the two regions by establishing a strategic partnership.
The summit reflected a growing momentum in EU-Central Asia relations to securing enhanced bilateral cooperation in several key areas, as well as a shared commitment to peace, security, democracy, and the fundamental principles of international law.
Leaders discussed joint efforts on strengthening sectoral cooperation, highlighting progress on economic, trade and investment ties, based on the implementation of current and future bilateral Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs).
“In an uncertain world, we send a clear and powerful message: we are partners of choice, and we can rely on each other,” said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: “To kick-start this new era, we are launching a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package — strengthening transport links between us and deepening cooperation on critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. These investments will benefit us both. Because when our partners grow and prosper, Europe does too.”
The leaders gave their support to ongoing efforts towards sustainable transport connectivity and strengthening economic ties through initiatives under the Global Gateway Strategy. In this context, leaders highlighted the progress on the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia. To further support efforts on this front, leaders welcomed the mobilisation of a €10 billion international investment package to support sustainable transport infrastructure and logistics networks in Central Asia. The EU leaders reiterated their continuing support towards the accession of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
To boost cooperation on energy and the green transition, the summit highlighted the shared EU and Central Asia commitment to sustainable value chains for critical raw materials, through the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia declaration of intent on critical raw materials.
Leaders also welcomed the increasing involvement of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the region in the specific areas of energy, water management, connectivity, transport and critical raw materials.
During the summit, leaders expressed their commitment to regional and global stability, particularly in Afghanistan and Ukraine, and to the promotion and protection of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Joint Declaration following the First European Union-Central Asia Summit
