At the Summit in Kyrgyzstan, Mirziyoyev Emphasized Cooperation with Europe in 7 Areas

Today, on the 2nd of June, the "European Union – Central Asia" summit was held under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan's President Sadir Japarov in the city of Cholponota on the northern coast of Issyk-Kul.

The summit was attended by President Kasim-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Imamali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Deputy Prime Minister Nurmuhammet Amannepesov of Turkmenistan, and the head of the Council of Europe, Charles Michel.

In his congratulatory speech, Japarov mentioned that the summit would discuss new prospective directions of cooperation and ways to deepen the dialogue towards a partnership between the countries of Central Asia and the EU.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all the participants for supporting the initiative to hold the second summit in Kyrgyzstan. I genuinely believe that today's meeting will enable us to exchange ideas, strengthen mutual understanding, and enhance cooperation on a wide range of issues," said Japarov.

During the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan emphasized seven key areas of cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union. These included the establishment of trade and transport corridors, investment and technological partnerships, close collaboration in digital interconnection, addressing climate risks, developing tourism, and investing in youth education.

Additionally, Mirziyoyev proposed the development of new partnership programs in combating extremism and radicalism, human trafficking, organized and cybercrime, and border protection. To facilitate this, he suggested organizing a conference of experts titled "Central Asia – European Union: A New Agenda of Cooperation in the Field of Security."

President Mirziyoyev also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and called upon partners not to reduce humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. Furthermore, he offered the logistics hub in Termiz as a resource for this purpose.

In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for the support of the initiative to hold the "Central Asia-European Union" summit in Uzbekistan next year.
For reference, the first EU-Central Asia summit took place in Astana (Kazakhstan) in October 2022.