Borrell suggested that Central Asia bypass Russia

The European Union intends to expand economic cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, including through the construction of new transport corridors bypassing Russia.  This was announced yesterday, 20 November, by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell.

According to him, Russia and China continue to play an important role in Central Asia.  At the same time, the countries of this region are trying to diversify trade and foreign policy relations, considering the European Union as the most suitable partner.  The European Union, in turn, is interested in taking advantage of these changes.

"We need to deepen relations with the region, take advantage of its enormous potential in energy supply, supply of important raw materials, and new transport corridors independent of Russia," the head of European diplomacy wrote in his blog.

We are talking about the Trans-Caspian international transport route, the development of which was discussed during Borrell's recent visit to Kazakhstan.

According to him, the EU is already one of the main trade and investment partners of Central Asia.

"Over the past decade, the EU has invested more than €100 billion in the region, making us the largest source of foreign direct investment, well ahead of Russia and China," he added.