Astana Hosts First Regional Central Asia-EU High-Level Meeting

ASTANA – The primary regional Central Asia-European Union (EU) high-level assembly with the participation of leaders of 5 Central Asian states and European Council President Charles Michel was held in Astana on Oct. 27, reported Akorda press service.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, EC President Charles Michel, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov (represented by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chair of the Cupboard of Ministers) welcomed the primary regional high-level assembly in Astana. Picture credit score: Akorda press service.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Deputy Chair of Turkmenistan’s Cupboard of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradow and President of the European Council Charles Michel have been in attendance.

The leaders outlined the outcomes of the 30 years of multilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed their dedication to proceed constructing a powerful, diversified and forward-looking partnership underpinned by shared values and mutual pursuits.

“I wish to emphasize that the European Union was one of many first to acknowledge Central Asia as a single unified area with deep historic and cultural roots. Over 30 years, our relationship has considerably developed and contributed to strengthening the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Central Asian states,” stated President Tokayev.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Picture credit score: Akorda press service.

Of their joint press communique, the signatories welcomed the institutionalization of the connection between the Central Asian nations and the EU by way of the present high-level platforms. They highlighted the significance of civil society involvement in creating interregional cooperation.

The Central Asian leaders appreciated the EU’s contribution to intensifying financial growth within the aftermath of the pandemic, overcoming socio-economic challenges attributable to COVID-19 and selling cross-border cooperation within the area. 

“The world round us is quickly altering. Central Asia is in a precarious place on account of unprecedented geopolitical tensions. At this time this can be very necessary to strengthen mutual belief and the spirit of cooperation within the coronary heart of Eurasia. On this tough time, we, the folks of Central Asia and Europe, have to construct bridges, not partitions,” stated the President of Kazakhstan.

The events emphasised the significance of dialogue on the rule of regulation, human rights and gender equality. They expressed widespread concern over the state of affairs in Afghanistan and acknowledged the necessity to promote respect for human rights and basic freedoms of all Afghans, notably girls and minorities.

Central Asian leaders and EC President through the assembly in Astana. Picture credit score: Akorda press service.

The assembly members talked about the EU-UNDP (United Nations Growth Programme) pilot challenge on coaching Afghan girls at universities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and particular education schemes in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. These initiatives are geared toward creating increased training alternatives for Afghan residents and contributing to the inclusive socio-economic growth of girls inside Afghan society.

The members additionally expressed their curiosity in strengthening joint actions in inexperienced growth, environmental safety and local weather change. Contemplating the EU’s expertise in creating and implementing mechanisms for the collaborative administration of water sources and transboundary rivers, the events mentioned the implementation of water-energy partnerships in Central Asia.

Theу famous the achieved outcomes and the potential of cooperation between Central Asia and the EU in border administration and safety, within the joint battle in opposition to terrorism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, trafficking in small arms and lightweight weapons, transnational drug trafficking and cybersecurity threats following common rules.