Mirziyoyev outlines expectations for the summit in Samarkand

The first Central Asia-European Union summit will be held in Samarkand on April 3-4. Uzbekistan expects the summit to mark a new chapter in the development of relations between Central Asia and the European Union, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated in an interview with "Euronews".  

“The upcoming summit will be truly historic, as, for the first time, the leaders of five Central Asian countries and the European Union will gather in one place.  

We expect this summit to open a new page in the development of relations between Central Asia and the European Union. In recent years, our cooperation has reached a qualitatively new level,” the president said.  

Mirziyoyev expressed hope that political dialogue would deepen further, and new mechanisms would be developed to make cooperation more systematic and focused on long-term goals. He emphasized that interregional cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, energy, and transport, would be among the key issues on the summit’s agenda. 

“The signing of the Samarkand Declaration should be one of the summit’s main outcomes. This document reflects the shared aspiration of the parties to establish a strategic partnership. The declaration will not only formalize the agreements reached but also serve as a foundation for strengthening ties between our regions,” the Uzbek leader said.  

He also expressed expectations for concrete agreements on expanding investment cooperation, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and supporting innovation and digital solutions.  

“Of course, many questions will be answered at the end of the summit. However, we can already say that this meeting will be an important step toward building a stable and mutually beneficial partnership between the European Union and Central Asia. This partnership will be based on common interests, trust, and a shared vision for development,” Mirziyoyev stated.  

The summit, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will be attended by President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.  

The event, held under the slogan "Investing in the Future," is also expected to include participation from the heads of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.  

According to the agenda, discussions will focus on the prospects for strengthening multifaceted relations and practical cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union.  

Key topics will include expanding investment cooperation, increasing trade turnover, promoting joint programs and projects in innovation, green energy, mining, agriculture, transport, logistics, and digitalization. The summit will also emphasize continued cultural, tourism, scientific, and educational exchanges.  

Additionally, the heads of delegations will exchange views on pressing international and regional policy issues.  

As part of the program, leaders from Central Asian states and key European Union institutions will participate in the plenary session of the Samarkand International Climate Forum, which will commence on April 4.  

Furthermore, President Mirziyoyev is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with foreign delegation heads during the summit.