The EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan on April 3-4 marks a significant event for EU leaders, including President Costa and President von der Leyen. The summit will focus on enhancing cooperation in critical areas like security and economic ties amidst changing geopolitical conditions, further solidifying the EU’s strategic interest in the region.

The inaugural EU-Central Asia summit is scheduled to take place on April 3-4 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Key European leaders, including António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will attend this pivotal event, which will also feature leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This summit represents a critical opportunity for the European Union to reinforce its geopolitical engagement and foster regional collaboration in Central Asia.

The changing geopolitical dynamics, particularly the impact of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and the evolving situation in Afghanistan, have heightened the strategic significance of the EU-Central Asia relationship. President Costa emphasized, “We are living in a world of disorder and fragmentation where the only viable solution for the EU is to build stronger partnerships to advance peace and prosperity.”

The forthcoming summit will solidify the EU’s resolve to enhance cooperation in various priority areas including transport and digital connectivity, access to critical raw materials, economic and security initiatives, and energy transition. Over recent years, high-level interactions between the EU and Central Asia have increased significantly, highlighted by meetings held in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 2022 and 2023, respectively, alongside a series of ministerial dialogues establishing a roadmap for deeper ties.

The EU’s 2019 Central Asia Strategy reinforces the importance of the region to EU objectives, fostering a modern, inclusive partnership aimed at developing sustainable and interlinked economic and political frameworks. As the EU stands as the second-largest trading partner and a leading investor in the region, it has sought to negotiate enhanced partnership and cooperation agreements with the Central Asian states, barring Turkmenistan.

Initially slated for 2024, the EU-Central Asia leaders’ summit aims to elevate political cooperation. Preparations for a summit in Samarkand, projected for April 2025, were recently discussed between Uzbekistan’s presidential advisor, Saida Mirziyoyeva, and the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, illustrating ongoing commitment to these diplomatic engagements.

The decision to hold the summit in the Central Asian region contrasts with similar events organized by China and the United States, which have taken place in major urban centers such as Xi’an and New York City. The EU’s choice to convene in Samarkand underscores its dedication to nurturing relations directly within the region.

Numerous European leaders have previously engaged with their Central Asian counterparts, with meetings reinforcing the collaborative spirit and establishing groundwork for future interactions. The summit continues to be characterized in Uzbekistan as the “first full-scale EU-Central Asia summit,” showcasing European interest that has notably surged in response to recent geopolitical changes.

Throughout the years, European leaders have initiated various projects to strengthen ties with Central Asia, notably the Global Gateway initiative launched in 2021. This strategy aims to provide robust investments to enhance connectivity and address disparities across digital infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors, presenting the EU’s strategic response to regional challenges.

The first EU-Central Asia summit presents an essential opportunity for the European Union to enhance relations with Central Asia amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. This pivotal gathering will reinforce cooperation across numerous areas including security and economic partnerships while highlighting the EU’s strategic commitment to fostering stability and development in the region. By engaging directly with Central Asian leaders, the EU aims to establish a solid foundation for future collaborative efforts.

Original Source: www.commonspace.eu

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