Participants of “Central Asia – European Union” summit adopt a joint communiqué

The summit was attended by the head of the Council of Europe, Charles Michel, the president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, the president of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Turkmenistan was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nurmuhammet Amannepesov.

The meeting was devoted to the review of cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the region. The participants of the summit tasked their foreign ministers and EU High Representative Josep Borrell to formalize and promote the implementation of a joint “roadmap” for deepening relations between the European Union and Central Asia.

At the end of the summit, the participants adopted a joint communiqué. It states that the participants:

- confirm their support for the continuation of dialogue at a high level and the development of the Central Asia-EU cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual assistance;
- express their firm commitment to the UN Charter, in particular, respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of all countries, non-use of force or threat of use, and respect for the principles of peaceful settlement of international disputes;
- emphasizing that water is one of the most important resources for the peace and well-being of the peoples of Central Asia, recognize the need to take into account the interests of the countries and peoples of the region for its sustainable use;
- acknowledging the efforts of the international community to provide assistance to the people of Afghanistan, noting the important role of the UN, emphasize the importance of establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan, as well as the importance of promoting and respecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens, especially women, girls and members of ethnic groups;
- emphasize that they are in favor of intensifying the fight against the ideology and propaganda of terrorism through the Internet;
- welcome the new initiatives of Team Europe in water, energy and climate change, as well as digital communication involving the private sector and European financial institutions;
- emphasize the importance of expanding mutual trade and investment mechanisms to accelerate the socio-economic development of all parties and the importance of close dialogue in the context of the EU sanctions regime;
- note the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation between analytical centers and civil society;
- discuss the possibilities of joint training of diplomats from Central Asia, including EU countries.

It should be recalled that the next “Central Asia – European Union” summit will be held in Uzbekistan in 2024.