Landmark summit brings EU President von der Leyen to Samarkand

On April 2, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Samarkand to participate in the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit. This was announced by Bekzod Khidoyatov, the press secretary of Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister.

The high-ranking guest was welcomed at Samarkand International Airport by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and other officials. Following a brief conversation, Ursula von der Leyen departed for her designated residence.

The inaugural summit between the European Union and Central Asia will be held on April 3–4 in Samarkand, chaired by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan will also attend. Additionally, the first Samarkand Climate Forum will take place on April 4–5 at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center. The forum will gather Central Asian leaders, representatives of the EU, the UN, international financial institutions, and leading environmental organizations.

During the summit, the European Union is expected to reaffirm its commitment to expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, including transport and digital connectivity, critical raw materials, economic and security partnerships, and the energy transition process.

It was previously reported that roads leading into Samarkand would be temporarily closed in connection with the summit. Additionally, some universities in the city have been granted a short-term academic break from April 1–5 due to the event.