On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia – European Union Summit was held in Samarkand. It was chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was represented by the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Together with President Mirziyoyev, Central Asian countries were represented by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Against the backdrop of increasing high-level bilateral engagements over the past years and a rapidly evolving multilateral- and regional agenda, the EU and Central Asia leaders agreed to elevate relations between the two regions by establishing a strategic partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission:
“At this historic Summit, Europe and Central Asia have decided to elevate our cooperation to a strategic partnership. In an uncertain world, we send a clear and powerful message: we are partners of choice, and we can rely on each other. 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.”
António Costa, President of the European Council:
“After years of successful cooperation it is time to take our partnership with Central Asian to the next level, deepening trade, strengthening regional collaboration and expanding people-to-people ties. This summit reaffirms our shared commitment to a strategic partnership built on common values and interests. The EU remainsa reliable forward-looking partner for Central Asia, investing in its long-term sustainable development for mutual, long-lasting benefit. Consistency, predictability and ambition will continue to drive our joint efforts.”
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
“Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the need for close co-operation is only growing. The development of our multifaceted co-operation is facilitated by the profound transformation in Central Asia, which has become sustainable and irreversible thanks to common political will. Our summit will result in a historic decision to establish a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union. I am convinced that our strategic partnership should be filled with concrete decisions, projects and programmes. I would like to emphasise the importance of introducing mechanisms for the practical implementation of our initiatives and agreements.”
There is a growing momentum in the EU-Central Asia relations with a view 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.
During the EU-Central Asia summit, 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).
They also supported 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.
EU leaders congratulated President Mirziyoyev for the warm hospitality and organisation of a successful summit, which marks a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations.
Source – EU Commission
Joint Declaration following the first European Union-Central Asia summit
We, the Leaders of the European Union (EU), Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and of Uzbekistan, held our first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 4 April 2025 and concluded the following:
- Reaffirming our commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, we decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership. We acknowledged the significant results achieved in recent years to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between our regions.
- The EU reconfirmed its commitment to the goals of the EU Strategy on Central Asia of 2019. The Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia adopted on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg has been useful in operationalising the Strategy. We acknowledged the role of the EU-Central Asia high-level regional meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the European Council, held in Astana in 2022 and Cholpon-Ata in 2023, and the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025 in taking stock of these commitments in preparation for this Summit. We welcomed the progress achieved and underscored the importance of maintaining its momentum.
- We are committed to cooperate for peace, security and democracy, to fully respect international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States,within their internationally recognised borders. We emphasised the importance of achieving as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We emphasised the need to uphold the principles of the OSCE by the participating States. We reconfirmed the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force, to respect international humanitarian law and underlined the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- In the same context, we committed to respect the above principles, in particular the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states within the framework of all international and regional fora, and to refrain from taking any steps that run contrary to those principles. In the same spirit, we reaffirmed our strong commitment to the relevant UNSC Resolution 541(1983) and 550 (1984). We emphasised that engagement in regional cooperation frameworks should fully respect these international principles, which remain essential to the enhancement of EU-Central Asia relations. In this context, Turkmenistan recalls that it applies its international commitments in strict accordance with the principles of its permanent neutrality status.
- In an increasingly complex world, we expressed our readiness to address common security challenges through new possibilities of further engagement and to strengthen cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral level on cybersecurity and hybrid threats, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, preventing and countering radicalisation and terrorism, strengthening border security, and preventing drug trafficking and human trafficking. We agreed to initiate a dedicated Dialogue on counter terrorism and violent extremism and build societal resilience against disinformation.
- We emphasised our strong commitment to see Afghanistan develop into a secure, stable and prosperous State with inclusive government and governance systems that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, including women, girls, persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities, is at peace with itself and its neighbours, and that respects its international obligations. We expressed our common concern over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and recognised the need to continue supporting the people of Afghanistan. We called for full and equal access to education conforming to international standards and participation in public life of women and girls in Afghanistan. In this regard, we supported the continuation of regular consultations of Special Representatives and Envoys of the Central Asian States and the EU.
- Cooperation on preventing sanctions circumvention remains an important aspect of our relations. In this context, we agreed to continue cooperation on this issue, especially to avoid re-exports of common high priority items, in line with the work of the EU Special Envoy on Sanctions.
- Significant efforts have been made to strengthen regional cooperation within Central Asia, overcoming challenges and fostering closer partnerships to ensure prosperity, sustainable development and to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonisation, strengthening stability, security, and good neighbourly relations. In this respect, the EU welcomed strengthened regional cooperation through regular Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The EU expressed its readiness to support ongoing and future actions in support of further regional integration.
- The Leaders welcomed the signing in Bishkek on 13 March 2025 of the Treaty on the State Border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan which will contribute to peace and prosperity in the region
- EU and Central Asian Leaders agreed that the deep and comprehensive cooperation between the two regions will be based on full implementation of the current and future bilateral Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs). In this context, the Leaders welcomed the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic on 25 June 2024 and looked forward to the signing of the EPCAs between the EU and Uzbekistan, and between the EU and Tajikistan. We also acknowledged the interest of the EU and Kazakhstan to launch negotiations for a Visa Facilitation Agreement and a Readmission Agreement when their respective internal procedures for negotiating mandates are concluded and welcomed recent steps taken by the European Commission in this regard.
- Strengthening trade and investment ties between Central Asia and the European Union is essential for economic growth, as well as developing and diversifying regional and interregional trade. To advance this agenda, we committed to regularly organise economic events, including the Central Asia–European Union Economic Forum fostering strategic dialogue and sustainable economic partnerships. This cooperation should be in line with the Global Gateway strategy, the EU’s external investment strategy, which will be scaled up in the years to come to further unlock the potential of our region-to-region relations.
- Among many areas of shared interest, enhanced cooperation on critical raw materials is of strategic importance, aimed at ensuring secure, sustainable and diversified supply chains. We agreed that the Declaration of Intent endorsed at this Summit will deepen cooperation in this field, strengthening economic resilience, mutual prosperity and facilitating the transition to a green and digital economy.
- The EU and Central Asia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sustainable transport connectivity as a driver of economic growth and regional integration. The mobilisation of EUR 10 billion in support and investments for Central Asia at the Global Gateway Investors’ Forum (January 2024) marks a pivotal step towards developing efficient regional transport corridors, logistics, networks, value chains and effective mechanisms to support mutual access to our respective markets. We additionally agreed to support the Coordination Platform for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and critical infrastructure projects along the Middle Corridor, ensuring mutual market access and long-term cooperation. We also agreed on the importance of peace and stability in the South Caucasus as a prerequisite to the successful implementation of these projects.
- With rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation, protecting our planet is not just an option but a necessity, and therefore full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement requires our joint actions. In line with this commitment, we agreed to step up the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The EU welcomed the decision of all Central Asian partners to join the Global Methane Pledge.
- Water is essential for the development and prosperity of Central Asia. Ensuring its sustainable and rational use is in the vital interest of all countries in the region. The EU and Central Asian Leaders agreed to continue to implement innovative approaches in water–energy cooperation to foster concrete and socially significant actions to protect and efficiently use water resources. We also agreed to strengthen cooperation and continue our partnership to improve the situation in the Aral Sea region and the entire Aral Sea basin. In this context, Leaders recognised the importance of both continuing the efforts to improve the work of IFAS to enhance its effectiveness and of the next IFAS Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026. Leaders took stock of preparations for the UN Ocean Conference, recognised the importance of the Dushanbe Water Process and acknowledged international initiatives such as the One Water Summit in 2024 as well as the UNGA Resolution on “Sustainable Mountain Development”.
- The EU and Central Asian Leaders reiterated that the promotion and protection of rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms is a common fundamental value. Ensuring freedom of expression and association, an enabling environment for civil society and independent media, protection of human rights defenders as well as the respect for the rights of women, the rights of the child and labour rights remain at the core of EU–Central Asia relations. The EU reiterated its readiness to support efforts in this regard at regional as well as at national level.
- The EU and Central Asian leaders agreed that the EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum is a key platform for dialogue, advancing the objectives of the EU Strategy on Central Asia in strengthening the resilience and prosperity of societies, as well as regional cooperation through civil society engagement.
- The role of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia was recognised to contribute to strengthening cooperation between the EU and Central Asia and in the region.
- We agreed to build upon the outcomes of today’s Summit in Samarkand and the 20th EU–Central Asia Ministerial Meeting held in Ashgabat to further strengthen our partnership and enhance cooperation across all mutually beneficial areas, as outlined in the Annex to this Declaration.
- We expressed our gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan for successfully hosting the first EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand.
ANNEX: Deliverables in Sectoral Cooperation
Strengthening multilateralism
The Participants:
- Agreed to periodic assessments of the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, ensuring its continued effectiveness and alignment with regional priorities.
- Noted the importance of the UN General Assembly Resolution 72/283 of 22 June 2018 on strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan on behalf of the region.
- Welcomed the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution that formalises the UN Regional Centre for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty to accelerate achievement of SDGs in the region.
- Highlighted the role of preventive diplomacy as a key instrument for conflict prevention and resolution, in line with the mandate of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) based in Ashgabat.
- Took note of the importance of the ‘Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in XXI Century’ signed on 21 July 2022 in Cholpon-Ata by Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan.
- Acknowledged the UN General Assembly Resolution designating Central Asia as a “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation,” adopted by the initiative of Turkmenistan on behalf of the region.
- Recognised Turkmenistan’s initiatives dedicated to peace, trust, and preventive diplomacy, including its lead in advancing the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and its initiative in promoting the role of the UNRCCA, both of which were adopted by the UN General Assembly.
- Welcomed the inclusion of the regional Transport and Logistical Hub in Termez into the Global Supply Network of the UNHCR and noted the importance of its use in efforts to effectively distribute humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan and globally, contributing to regional development and creating new economic opportunities.
- Recognised the initiatives of the Kyrgyz Republic on sustainable development of mountain regions within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as the importance of the UNGA Resolution on “Sustainable Mountain Development”, declaring 2023-2027 as the “Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions” to enhance international cooperation on the global mountain agenda and took note of the Second Global Mountain Summit, ‘Bishkek+25′, to be held in 2027 in Kyrgyzstan.
- Recognised the importance of the Dushanbe Water Process and looked forward to the upcoming High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, which will take place in Dushanbe from May 29-31, 2025 as well as the Regional Climate Summit in Astana in 2026.
- The concerned Participants called for increased global action and ambition, including in the context of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
- Acknowledged the critical importance of cryospheric sciences for sustainable development, the Participants commended the Republic of Tajikistan and the French Republic for their initiative in advancing the adoption of the UNGA Resolution in August 2024, declaring the years 2025-2034 as the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences”.
- Acknowledged the high value of ongoing regional cooperation in the area of health, including through the support of the WHO, on health security preparedness, digital health, universal health coverage and more.
- Noted the significance of the UN General Assembly Resolution proclaiming 5 March as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness and emphasised the need to strengthen global efforts in promoting peace, security, and international stability”, adopted at the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Addressing common security challenges
The Participants:
- Confirmed readiness to cooperate on addressing common security challenges, including exploring new possibilities of engagement between the EU and Central Asian countries, based on respective requests, interests and needs including through the European Peace Facility.
- Welcomed funding for the regional response to displaced Afghans, as part of the EU’s commitment to support Central Asian partners in the efforts to address the security challenges arising from the situation in Afghanistan.
- Confirmed the continued work under the BOMCA programme to strengthen border guards’ capacity and border security in Central Asian countries. In this context, the Participants also acknowledged the Dushanbe Process on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Border Security.
- Agreed to strengthen engagement on tackling disinformation and information manipulation, including through capacity building activities.
Enhancing economic ties, trade and investments
The Participants:
- Confirmed the respective commitments towards signing the EPCAs between the EU and Uzbekistan in 2025 and between the EU and Tajikistan in 2026.
- Noted Turkmenistan’s proposal for enhancing the legal framework of its bilateral relations with the EU emphasising the significance of further steps in this direction.
- Agreed to continue to work towards the accession of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- Recognized that stakeholders welcomed the future establishment of an EIB Regional Representation for Central Asia, enabled by the signature of a Host Country Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EIB, strengthening the Bank’s presence in the region, and encouraged the establishment of EIB country offices in Astana and other Central Asian capitals.
Engaging on energy, climate neutral economy, connectivity under the Global Gateway and cooperating on the European Green Deal
The Participants:
- Underlined the concrete follow-up to the EU Study on sustainable transport connections between Europe and Central Asia (published in June 2023), notably the successful holding of the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity (29-30 January 2024, Brussels) and the establishment of a Coordination Platform in 2024, as well as the mobilisation of EUR 10 billion from the international community in support of sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia.
- Announced the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) Investors’ Forum and the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum to be held in Uzbekistan in 2025.
- Committed to further enhancing aviation cooperation between the two regions, building on the work done towards the signature of the Horizontal Agreement with Kazakhstan.
- Acknowledged the progress made in the framework of the regional Green and Digital Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) in Central Asia.
- Recognized the good cooperation with European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the areas of energy, water, connectivity, transport and critical raw materials.
- Welcomed the signature of the EU–Kazakhstan and the EU–Uzbekistan Memoranda of Understanding on critical raw materials.
- Endorsed the EU-Central Asia Declaration of Intent on Critical Raw Materials to confirm the willingness to a deeper cooperation with all five Central Asian countries. Endorse the Roadmap 2025-2026 under the EU–Kazakhstan Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Raw Materials, Batteries and Green Hydrogen.
- Welcomed the EIB signing four MoUs with partners in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, as these agreements will unlock up to EUR 365 million for sustainable transport, water management, energy-efficient housing, and climate resilience.
- Welcomed the EIB and Turkmenistan declaring the opening of negotiations for a Framework Agreement which will enable the EIB to start operations in the country.
- Welcomed the opening of today’s Samarkand Climate Forum with participation of the Presidents of the European Council and of the European Commission as well as of the five Central Asian States, which will become an important step in supporting regional cooperation on the issues of ecological sustainability, green economic development and climate stability.
Strengthening people-to-people contacts and mobility
The Participants:
- Confirmed the commitment to intensify common efforts to deepen cooperation in the field of education, including vocational education and training/skills development.
- Welcomed the annual meetings of Deputy Ministers of Education and Employment under the DARYA programme in 2023 and 2024.
- Welcomed the upcoming EU-Central Asia Forum of Women Leaders in Turkmenistan in 2025, to be organised at the initiative of the EU and Turkmenistan, as an important platform for advancing women’s empowerment in the region.
- Welcomed the good cooperation within the framework of the 2024 training programme for Central Asian diplomats and pledged the EU’s continued commitment to develop further concrete initiatives for joint learning.
- Confirmed commitment to intensify joint efforts to deepen cooperation in the field of education and science, including using the opportunities of the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes, and to promote the implementation of projects to introduce advanced European educational methods and cooperation in fundamental and applied research.
- Confirmed commitment to promote cooperation in development of sustainable tourism, including in accordance with the UNGA Resolution 74/214 of 19 December 2019 on Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Development in Central Asia, adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan.
Read the declaration
Speech by President von der Leyen at the plenary session of the first EU-Central Asia Summit
Samarkand, 4 April 2025
“Check against delivery”
President Mirziyoyev,
President Costa,
Presidents,
It was a great explorer of the past who said ‘travel leaves you speechless’. That was after his visit to Samarkand. For more than a thousand years this city has been the beating heart of Central Asia, the hub of a vast trading network. Over the centuries Samarkand has witnessed new partnerships and new friendships. So it is a privilege to be here for the first Summit between Central Asia and the European Union, marking a new chapter in our long-standing friendship.
World history has often turned on events in this city. And as we meet here today, we are at another turning point. New global barriers arise, investments are being re-directed or cut. Powers around the world are carving out new spheres of influence. But here in Samarkand, we show there is another way.
Central Asia is a region of proud, sovereign nations. With ancient histories and great ambitions. Your strategic location can open global trade routes and investment flows. And these new investments will enhance sovereignty. They will strengthen your economies, and most importantly they will make new friendships. They will bring people together. We Europeans want to be partners in this new chapter in your thousand-year history. So today we establish a new Strategic Partnership between Central Asia and Europe. We are moving closer together. This Partnership will make deeper connections between our two regions. It will lead to new opportunities for cooperation. Be it in the energy sector or security, from digital to tourism. And it will bring people together from across our regions. Reliable partners have never been so important. Our Strategic Partnership is a commitment to be there for each other. We want to explore new avenues for cooperation. So, let me focus on four promising areas.
Let me start with transport corridors. Central Asia is the very definition of a global gateway, the beating heart of Eurasia. This is why our Global Gateway investment agenda focuses so much on this region. Last year, we pledged EUR 10 billion to the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This will cut the overland journey between Europe and Central Asia by around a half. That is down to just 15 days. The corridor will also unlock untapped potential for business between our regions. And it will boost links and trade within your five Central Asian nations. Today I am pleased to announce that a new Investors Forum will take place in Uzbekistan in 2025. This will secure private funding for the Corridor and allow us to assess progress. In an increasingly fragmented world, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor will boost connections between your five countries and Europe. But infrastructure is not everything. Smooth border crossing within Central Asian and South Caucasus countries is also essential to reach the Black Sea. After three decades of closure, the opening of the borders of Armenia with Türkiye and Azerbaijan is going to be a game changer. And it will bring Europe and Central Asia closer together like never before.
My second point concerns more cooperation on critical raw materials. Your countries are endowed with immense resources. The region has 40% of the global reserves of manganese, as well as lithium, graphite, and more. These raw materials are the lifeblood of the future global economy. Yet they are also a honeypot for global players. Some are only interested in exploiting and extracting. Europe’s offer is different. We also want to be your partners in developing your local industries. The added value has to be local. Our track-record speaks for itself. European companies are already involved in raw materials here in Uzbekistan, with a EUR 1.6 billion investment at the Almalyk copper mine. They do not just contribute to extracting minerals but also to processing them on site. This creates local jobs and local added value. But there is so much more we could do across the region. Together, we could build local industries right along the raw materials value chain. From mining to refining. From opening new research labs, to training local workers. We want to build a long-term partnership. Such a partnership is benefitting both our citizens, their children, and those of the future. We have already signed Memoranda of Understanding on critical minerals with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Today we bring this cooperation to a new level – by endorsing a Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Raw Materials. This will attract large-scale private investment throughout the region. It is a partnership that will benefit both Europe and Central Asia. Because your strategic autonomy on raw materials is our strategic interest.
Third, this region aims to be a clean energy hub: wind in Kazakhstan, solar in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, hydro in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. And geothermal across the region. You could produce enough clean energy for your economy and for export. You could turn part of this energy into clean hydrogen. Together, we are making history at the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan. Here the world’s tallest dam will generate electricity for the region. Combined with the Kambarata Dam in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia can become a clean energy powerhouse. Driving electric trains, industry and mining, and exporting energy to neighbours. So let us expand our cooperation. Together we can advance Central Asia’s energy independence, and the global clean transition.
Fourth, good partnership depends on good communication. Yet for many people, internet access is still a far-off dream. Europe has a world-class network of satellites, which can reach the most remote areas where data cables may never arrive. This year alone, we are connecting 2,000 schools and hundreds of villages in Kazakhstan to European satellites. Then we are extending to 1,700 villages across the region in the coming years. That is transformative. It connects communities and people. It attracts new business and investments. And it gives direct access to high-speed internet, without your neighbours acting as gatekeepers. Now we want to work with all of you, so that all Central Asia can enjoy the same opportunities. Central Asia may be landlocked, but it is certainly not space-locked. And space can be your gateway to the world.
There is so much we can achieve in these four priority areas: The transport corridor, raw materials, clean energy, and digital connectivity. And to accelerate progress, today I am proud to announce a Global Gateway Investment Package worth EUR 12 billion. It will bring together investments from our Union and Member States. We call it a Team Europe approach. And it will launch a new pipeline of projects to Central Asia. This is truly the start of a new era in our ancient friendship.
Colleagues, these are exciting times for Europe and Central Asia. This Summit opens a new chapter in our relations. Today we launch a Strategic Partnership. This Partnership shows you can rely on the EU. Working together we can cultivate closer relations which benefit both our regions. Relations which we strengthen and grow through new friendships and trading networks. The two Forums later this year will be an opportunity to judge progress. And explore new areas of cooperation. The best really is yet to come.
Thank you again for your amazing hospitality.
Source – EU Commission
Remarks by President António Costa at the plenary session of the first EU-Central Asia summit
[Check against delivery]
It is my distinct privilege to co-chair today’s historic event, the first-ever European Union-Central Asia Summit. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome we have received in your beautiful country, and for hosting us in the ancient city of Samarkand – a city that has made its significant mark in the history of our regions. Today, I am proud to be part of a new chapter in the modern history of Samarkand, as we elevate the relations between our two regions to a dynamic ‘strategic’ partnership.
It has been 30 years since we established diplomatic relations between the European Union and the five Central Asian countries, and it is time to recognize the profound significance of the ties that bind us together. In these past days, I had the privilege of visiting the spectacular cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, where I discovered not only the impressive history and rich culture of the region but also the deep-rooted connections that have shaped our relationship for centuries, through cultural exchanges, scientific collaboration, and trade.
In today’s international context, the importance of a functioning, rules-based multilateral order cannot be overstated. Our meeting today encourages even more EU-Central Asia cooperation in multilateral fora, reinforcing our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous global order.
I would like to commend Uzbekistan for hosting the Samarkand Climate Forum later today, which underscores the importance of regional cooperation on critical issues such as climate change and water management. These challenges are among the most pressing of our time, and we must work together to address them. We have already accomplished a great deal. The European Union is one of Central Asia’s main investors and the second-largest trade partner. We must now look to the future and take our cooperation to new heights.
Climate change is an area where our joint action is not only needed for our own benefit but for the greater good of global stability, security, and prosperity. Issues such as water scarcity, poor air quality, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity pose serious threats to the security and prosperity of both our regions.
Europe’s two Climate Banks – the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – are already supporting critical climate action in Central Asia, and we are committed to expanding this cooperation significantly.
In recent years, with the adoption of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia (2019), the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia (2023), and the momentum from the EU Global Gateway Strategy, we have enhanced our engagement with your region. We are exploring new areas of cooperation, including in digital technologies, transport, and raw materials.
However, I believe our relationship has not yet reached its full potential. Our partnership is a journey, not a destination. This Summit marks the start of a new dimension in our relations, and it will not be a one-off. I am eager to hear your views and proposals on how we can further increase our cooperation and focus on the areas that will offer the greatest benefits. Together, we must ensure that our strategic partnership is both real and dynamic, delivering concrete outcomes that have a lasting impact.
As we face common security challenges that are steadily increasing on a global scale, we must acknowledge that security threats are now of a transnational nature. No region is immune to these risks, and therefore, we must step up our cooperation at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
The European Union has been a long-standing partner for Central Asia in the field of security. Our programs on border management and addressing drug-related challenges have long showcased the EU’s commitment to this region. We have also provided support for various counterterrorism initiatives, including law enforcement, countering terrorism financing, and preventing violent extremism and radicalization.
The regular dialogues on drugs between our regions are one example of where we can build further, strengthening our cooperation in combating these challenges. I am particularly pleased that, together, we have agreed to initiate a dedicated dialogue on counterterrorism and violent extremism. This is an important step forward in addressing shared security threats.
And I wish to use this opportunity to congratulate Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on the signing of the historic border agreement on the 13th of March. This is an important accomplishment for both countries and for the whole region. In turbulent times we need more examples like this to solve conflicts peacefully.
Turning to Afghanistan, where multiple security threats, notably terrorism, violent extremism, and drug trafficking, risk spilling over into both Central Asia and Europe, Central Asia has valuable experiences and insights on how to best mitigate these risks. Together, we can work to ensure regional stability.
Additionally, we are witnessing an increase in disinformation being used for political manipulation purposes. In the European Union, we take this threat very seriously and remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen resilience, both within the EU and in our partner countries.
The most severe security challenge we face today is the continuing Russian aggression against Ukraine. This war goes far beyond Ukraine and Europe. Russia’s war is not a local conflict; it is an assault on the very principles of the rules-based international order.
For over three years, Russia, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has flagrantly violated the United Nations Charter and international law, undermining the stability of the international system.
There is now new momentum for a peace process in Ukraine, one that should lead to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. We must work together to guarantee it. The European Union fully supports these efforts and will contribute to them in every way possible.
The principles laid out in the United Nations Charter are not just words on paper – they represent the shared commitment of nations to prevent conflicts, promote peace, and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. These principles are as relevant today as they were when the United Nations was founded, and they remain the cornerstone of multilateralism. We must work together not only to defend multilateralism but to reform it so that it is more effective, inclusive, and better suited to today’s realities.
Our first Summit is a clear example of the stabilizing role that regional cooperation based on trust can play on the global stage.
The European Union is eager to build a mutually beneficial partnership with Central Asia, one that goes beyond expectations, setting a living example of what is possible when nations come together in the spirit of cooperation. Today’s Summit is a landmark. We look to the future with optimism. And we share the motto of this Summit: “investing in the future”.
Our relations have never been stronger, and now, we must move forward with ambition to write the next chapters of the strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union.
Thank you.
Source – EU Council