ISLAMABAD: Monitoring Desk – The Republic of Uzbekistan is hosting the first “Central Asia – European Union” Summit in the historic city of Samarkand that marks a significant development in the relationship between the two regions.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said , ” The summit aims to strengthen economic partnerships: with trade between Central Asia and the EU quadrupling over the past seven years, the summit seeks to build on this momentum and look for greater interregional cooperation while addressing joint challenges.”
In an interview with Euronews , the President shared , “The upcoming summit in Samarkand will be truly historic as it will bring together for the first time the leaders of the five Central Asian countries and the EU in one place.”
President discussed many aspects, expectations of the Summit and shed light on the goals and objectives to be achieved for common benefit.Here are some points that he discussed in the interview for the information of the readers ;
This meeting comes at a time of global geopolitical instability, economic risks and climate challenges, which in turn means there is a need for new forms of international cooperation.
Euronews: In recent years, the world has been changing rapidly: geopolitical instability, growing economic risks, climate challenges – all this requires new formats of international cooperation.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev : Our partnership with the European Union is a two-way relationship from which both sides should benefit.
The Central Asia-European Union format of cooperation is a unique platform of interaction and is unparalleled in its scale and institutional scope. The European Union, which unites 27 states, including the three G7 countries (Germany, France and Italy), is the largest integration association building systemic interaction with Central Asia at the interregional level.
Cooperation with the EU covers a wide range of areas – from the economy and investment to sustainable development, security and digital transformation – and is based on long-term strategic priorities.
We regularly meet with our European colleagues. Visits to the region by leaders of the world’s leading countries have become noticeably more frequent. Uzbekistan has esta
We are pleased to see the growing interest of European businesses in the opportunities for trade and investment interaction with Uzbekistan and other countries of the region.
The positive processes observed in the region are increasing interest in Central Asia, turning the region into an important partner of world powers and leading states at the geopolitically important crossroads of the main routes between East and West, North and South.
This is reflected in the “CA Plus” formats, which allow maintaining an open dialogue, creating favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation of all stakeholders.
Under these conditions, the establishment of a strategic partnership between theo
At present, Samarkand is restoring its special “Samarkand spirit”, based on which a fundamentally new format of international interaction is being constructed.
Euronews: How would you characterise the key changes that took place in the region in the past years, and what priorities do you set during the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Central Asian Five?
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev : First of all, I would like to emphasise that Central Asia is the top priority in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy due to a number of factors. First, if we look at the political map of the modern world, it will become obvious that the overwhelming majority of armed conflicts, confrontations and outbreaks of violence take place between neighboring states. This applies to the Middle East, the post-Soviet space, South Asia, Africa and other regions of the world.
When in 2017 at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly Uzbekistan came up with the initiative to hold consultative meetings, we proceeded from a simple but important idea: no external partners would be able to help us build peace, stability and prosperity in the region if we ourselves do not start with a trusting and candid dialogue.
This process has proven to be effective. Today we are resolving the most complex issues at the negotiating table, coordinating joint initiatives and moving forward confidently.
This year, the 7th Consultative Meeting will be held in Tashkent.
Mirziyoyev: Samarkand is a city that has been a centre of trade, science and diplomacy for centuries. Its glory was built on its ability to unite cultures, peoples and ideas
At such meetings we do not just discuss the agenda and “reconcile our clocks”, but make concrete decisions that change the face of the region. One of the brightest recent examples is the complete settlement of the issue of delimitation of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This is a breakthrough that the parties have been working towards for many years.
To stimulate trade, border trade zones are being created, joint investment funds are being launched, and major infrastructure and industrial projects are being implemented.
Central Asia is becoming an important link in global transportation chains. We are actively developing the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan transport corridors, which will allow our countries to expand access to key global markets.
Thus, Central Asia is no longer on the margins of history, but is turning into a dynamically developing region that is shaping its own strategic agenda. Political consolidation, the achieved high level of trust and joint economic initiatives in the region have created new opportunities for sustainable development.
Euronews: What reforms carried out in Uzbekistan stimulate the strengthening of economic partnership with the European Union, and what measures on the EU side can bring the links with Central Asia to a new level?
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev : In Uzbekistan, we are consistently creating a favourable business environment, developing market institutions, and improving the investment climate. Key steps in this direction include the introduction of a “one-stop-shop” system for foreign investors, the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, and the reduction of the tax burden on businesses.
As a result, our country’s economic cooperation with the European Union has shown positive dynamics. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with EU countries reached $6.4 billion, increasing by 5.2% compared to the previous year.
More than 1,000 enterprises with European capital now operate in Uzbekistan, and the total volume of investment “bridge” between Europe and Asia but also as an active participant in global economic processes.
To elevate economic interconnectedness to a qualitatively new level, it is essential to further simplify trade procedures, improve access for Central Asian goods to European markets, and harmonise technical standards and certification processes. A crucial role is played by attracting European businesses to participate in infrastructure projects, developing the digital economy, and fostering innovation-driven cooperation.
We also support the activation of financial assistance mechanisms, including through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and other international financial institutions. Creating favourable conditions for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in the region, with the participation of European partners, will help strengthen economic resilience and improve the standard of living for the population.
Mirziyoyev: Central Asia can become a reliable partner, capable not only of ensuring stable energy supply but also of making a significant contribution to global decarbonisation.
Over the next five years, we aim to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 54%. This will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 16 million tons and contribute to Uzbekistan’s early fulfilment of its commitment to cut emissions by 35% under the Paris Agreement.
Another important focus is the modernisation of energy systems, which will enhance efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.
Euronews: How do you assess the prospects of discussing security issues at the upcoming summit? What cooperation areas between Central Asia and the EU are of particular interest to you?
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev : We are witnessing a profound transformation of the international relations system. The world is undergoing large-scale changes, the consequences of which remain difficult to predict.
Ensuring regional security has always been and remains one of the highest priorities for the countries of Central Asia. That is why, in 2023, we set the goal of bringing a new agenda for Central Asia-EU cooperation in this field to expert discussions.
We recognise that our region and the European Union face common security threats and challenges, including the fight against terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, such as drug trafficking. In this regard, cooperation with the European Union in the field of security is one of the key areas of our partnership.
Given current realities, we believe it is essential not only to continue collaboration within existing programs but also to develop new initiatives aimed at countering cyber threats and extremism.
Euronews: Afghanistan remains a key focus of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. While many countries refrain from engaging with the interim government and integrating Afghanistan into regional and international cooperation, Uzbekistan actively interacts with its southern neighbour. What drives Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan, and what are the prospects for maintaining the high intensity of cooperation between our countries on this issue?
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev : Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan has always been pragmatic and strategically oriented toward the long term. We have never isolated or turned away from our neighbour.
We have always believed that Afghanistan’s development is impossible without constructive engagement with neighbouring countries, including Uzbekistan as its closest and most important partner.
It must be acknowledged that many who initially disagreed with our policy on Afghanistan are now compelled to recognise its correctness and inevitability.
We were convinced that the previous regime in Afghanistan would not be able to maintain power due to several factors — its inability to establish full control over the country’s territory, its unwillingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition, its lack of intent to form an inclusive government, and widespread corruption that permeated all levels of the former administration.
The current leadership has managed to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan and redirect its resources toward infrastructure development, including airports, domestic railway networks, and water and energy facilities, as well as toward reducing opium cultivation.
According to UN data, following the Taliban’s 2023 ban on drug sales, opium cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95%.
Efforts are also being made to support rural communities and promote alternative agriculture to build a future for Afghanistan free from opium dependency.
(Foto Caption : On March 27, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, received a European Union delegation led by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. The meeting focused on enhancing practical cooperation and preparations for upcoming joint events.)
