The Central Asia-EU summit held in the historical city of Samarkand, located in Uzbekistan, represents a notable advancement in the ties between Central Asian nations and the European Union.
The current gathering occurs amidst worldwide geopolitical unrest, financial threats, and climate-related issues, thereby underscoring the necessity for innovative types of global collaboration.
The summit is designed to bolster economic partnerships: Given that trade between Central Asia and the European Union has increased fourfold over the last seven years, the event intends to capitalize on this progress and explore enhanced interregional collaboration while tackling shared issues together.
Euronews interviewed Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev regarding the objectives and anticipations of the summit, along with the historic connections and mutual interests linking both areas.
Euronews: In recent years, the world has been changing rapidly: geopolitical instability, growing economic risks, climate challenges - all this requires new formats of international cooperation.
In this context, the Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand looks like a turning point in the relations between the two. Why is it now that interaction is reaching a new level?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The connections between our regions are rooted deeply in history, shared goals, and a mutual wish for strong collaboration. We possess a distinct understanding of how we can interact with the European Union, grounded in nearly three decades of partnership.
Our collaboration with the European Union is a mutual arrangement where benefits should be shared by all parties involved.
The Central Asia-EU collaboration framework stands out as an exceptional forum for engagement, unmatched in both size and structural breadth. Comprising 27 member states, among which are three from the G7 (Germany, France, and Italy), the EU represents the foremost integrated body fostering comprehensive cooperation with Central Asia across regions.
Collaboration with the EU encompasses numerous fields—including economics, investments, sustainable growth, security, and digital change—and hinges on enduring strategic objectives.
We frequently connect with our counterparts from Europe. The visits of global political figures to this area have significantly increased recently. Uzbekistan has formed a strategic alliance with Italy, Hungary, and France. Additionally, Germany has taken up a role as a regional strategic partner for the Central Asian nations.
Currently, the EU is continually strengthening trade and investment relationships with the Central Asian countries.
Over the past seven years, the trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the EU has quadrupled, amounting to 54 billion euros.
We are pleased to see the growing interest of European businesses in the opportunities for trade and investment interaction with Uzbekistan and other countries of the region.
The positive processes observed in the region are increasing interest in Central Asia, turning the region into an important partner of world powers and leading states at the geopolitically important crossroads of the main routes between East and West, North and South. This is reflected in the “CA Plus” formats, which allow maintaining an open dialogue, creating favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation of all stakeholders.
Under these conditions, the establishment of a strategic partnership between the countries of our region and the European Union during the summit in Samarkand will open new areas in the development of interregional cooperation and interconnectivity.
Euronews: Could you tell us more about the choice of Samarkand for holding the summit? What kind of symbolic value does it have in terms of dialogue and opportunities?
Mirziyoyev: Samarkand is a city that has been a centre of trade, science and diplomacy for centuries. Its glory was built on its ability to unite cultures, peoples and ideas. Today, it is once again becoming a platform where Europe and Central Asia can discuss the key challenges of our time.
Samarkand holds a significant position in the long-standing history of international relations among the various peoples inhabiting the extensive regions of Central and Southern Asia as well as the Middle East. Six hundred years ago, under the rule of Amir Timur over Maveronnir, active communication with European rulers took place to facilitate secure and unimpeded commerce.
Currently, Samarkand is reclaiming its significant position in global affairs, safeguarding and expanding upon the nation's historical political and diplomatic legacy in an updated, wider framework.
Traditionally, the region encompassing Samarkand has been perceived as unified and inseparable, without divisions. At the core of this lies a distinctive concept known as the "Samarkand spirit," upon which an entirely novel approach to international cooperation is being developed.
Euronews: Could you describe the main transformations that have occurred in the area over recent years, and what goals will you prioritize during Uzbekistan’s leadership of the Central Asia Five?
Mirziyoyev stated that he wants to highlight that Central Asia holds the highest priority within Uzbekistan’s foreign policy for several reasons. Firstly, when examining today's geopolitical landscape, it becomes clear that most military disputes, tensions, and violent incidents occur among adjacent countries. This trend can be observed across various areas such as the Middle East, the former Soviet republics, South Asia, Africa, and elsewhere around the globe.
Sadly, Central Asia has not managed to be an exception.
Throughout various times, there have been military confrontations, with the scenario further exacerbated by ongoing territorial disagreements, along with difficulties related to water management, energy supply, transport logistics, communications, and overall security concerns.
This state of affairs couldn’t persist forever. The contradictions were intensifying, disputes were worsening, and the growing instability represented a significant danger to regional security.
Recognizing this scenario, we opted for a strategic move to gradually develop constructive, friendly, and mutually advantageous relationships with neighboring countries in Central Asia. This strategy hinges on reciprocal trust and respect, as well as an acknowledgment and appreciation of shared interests.
In recent times, Central Asia has experienced significant change and has emerged with a fresh identity characterized by productive discourse, mutual understanding, and all-encompassing collaboration. This shift is largely attributed to the shared determination of our nations' leaderships, allowing us now to assertively state that this development is irreversible.
When in 2017 at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly Uzbekistan came up with the initiative to hold consultative meetings, we proceeded from a simple but important idea: no external partners would be able to help us build peace, stability and prosperity in the region if we ourselves do not start with a trusting and candid dialogue.
This process has proven to be effective. Today we are resolving the most complex issues at the negotiating table, coordinating joint initiatives and moving forward confidently.
This year, the 7th Consultative Meeting will be held in Tashkent. At such meetings we do not just discuss the agenda and “reconcile our clocks”, but make concrete decisions that change the face of the region. One of the brightest recent examples is the complete settlement of the issue of delimitation of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This is a breakthrough that the parties have been working towards for many years.
To stimulate trade, border trade zones are being created, joint investment funds are being launched, and major infrastructure and industrial projects are being implemented.
Central Asia is becoming an important link in global transportation chains. We are actively developing the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan transport corridors, which will allow our countries to expand access to key global markets.
Thus, Central Asia is no longer on the margins of history, but is turning into a dynamically developing region that is shaping its own strategic agenda. Political consolidation, the achieved high level of trust and joint economic initiatives in the region have created new opportunities for sustainable development.
Uzbekistan, during its leadership of the Central Asian Five, plans to prioritize three main areas: enhancing regional security, promoting deeper economic integration, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
We have a historic opportunity to transform our region into one that is both sustainable and thriving. I believe that through collective effort, we can unlock this potential.
Euronews: Which reforms implemented in Uzbekistan are fostering stronger economic collaboration with the European Union, and what steps from the EU could elevate relations with Central Asia to a higher level?
Mirziyoyev stated that in Uzbekistan, they are continuously fostering a conducive atmosphere for doing business, strengthening market systems, and enhancing the overall investment conditions. Significant measures toward this end encompass implementing a streamlined “one-stop-shop” process for international investors, deregulating the foreign currency exchange sector, and decreasing the fiscal load imposed on enterprises.
Consequently, our nation's economic collaboration with the European Union has demonstrated positive trends. In 2024, Uzbekistan's trade volume with EU nations amounted to $6.4 billion, marking a rise of 5.2% from the prior year.
Currently, over 1,000 companies backed by European investors are active in Uzbekistan, with the cumulative value of their investment initiatives totaling €30 billion. It is expected that the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and Uzbekistan will create additional avenues for bolstering commercial and financial relationships.
We are prepared to provide the EU market with larger quantities of premium, eco-friendly goods that comply with top-tier European regulations. In today’s environment, establishing effective transportation and logistics routes has become more crucial than ever, and Central Asia could function not just as a "link" connecting Europe and Asia but also as an integral player in worldwide economic activities.
Here, we suggest synchronizing the EU’s Global Gateway strategy with significant transportation initiatives in our area, along with collaboratively crafting an Action Plan to boost the Trans-Caspian Transportation Corridor. Doing so will stimulate increased investments, enhance infrastructure development, and incorporate cutting-edge technologies.
In order to advance economic interconnectivity to a higher qualitative stage, it is imperative to streamline trading formalities even more, enhance entry opportunities for products from Central Asia into European markets, and standardize technical norms and accreditation protocols. It is vital to involve European companies in infrastructure initiatives, promote the growth of the digital sector, and encourage collaboration fueled by innovation.
We additionally facilitate the initiation of financial aid programs, involving entities such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, along with various global finance organizations. Fostering an environment conducive to the expansion of small and medium enterprises within this area, alongside contributions from European allies, can enhance economic stability and elevate the quality of life for residents.
Euronews: Central Asia is one of the few regions with significant reserves of energy resources and vast potential for the development of renewable energy. What role can your region play in ensuring Europe's energy stability, especially considering recent trends toward renewable energy sources?
Mirziyoyev: Central Asia can become a reliable partner, capable not only of ensuring stable energy supply but also of making a significant contribution to global decarbonisation.
One key aspect of collaboration focuses on an active endeavor encompassing Central Asian nations aimed at establishing a Green Strategic Corridor via the Caspian and Black Seas extending to Europe. This undertaking’s execution will provide a robust basis for our reciprocal energy interconnectivity.
A significant institutional framework for collaborating on renewable energy might involve forming a Central Asia-EU Clean Energy Partnership. Such an initiative would promote teamwork in generating eco-friendly options like green hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels as viable replacements for conventional fossil fuels.
At present, Uzbekistan along with other nations in the area is aggressively increasing its renewable energy capabilities. The introduction of eco-friendly power initiatives and climate-related programs will further facilitate the establishment of a carbon credit marketplace across Central Asia.
This system will allow businesses to draw investments into environmentally friendly technologies and also function as an avenue for global collaboration in carbon markets.
Besides the 14 recently commissioned solar and wind facilities, our plans include over 50 additional projects that will add up to a combined capacity of 24,000 megawatts.
In the coming five years, our objective is to boost the proportion of renewable energy resources up to 54%, which should lead to a reduction of approximately 16 million tons in greenhouse gas emissions. This progress will aid Uzbekistan in achieving its pledge to decrease emissions by 35% as outlined in the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule.
A key emphasis is also on updating energy systems to boost efficiency and lower the carbon footprint.
Euronews: How would you evaluate the potential for addressing security matters at the forthcoming summit? Which collaborative sectors between Central Asia and the European Union hold special significance for you?
Mirziyoyev: We are observing a significant overhaul of the global relations framework. The world is experiencing extensive transformations, with outcomes that still remain hard to forecast.
Maintaining regional security has consistently been and continues to be a top priority for the nations of Central Asia. Therefore, in 2023, our aim was to introduce a fresh agenda for collaboration between Central Asia and the EU in this area through expert debates.
We acknowledge that both our region and the European Union confront shared security issues and challenges, encompassing efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and cross-border crimes like drug smuggling. Therefore, collaboration with the EU within the realm of security stands out as a crucial aspect of our alliance.
Considering present circumstances, we feel it is crucial not just to maintain cooperation under established programs but also to create fresh efforts targeted at addressing cyber threats and combating extremism.
Euronews reports that Afghanistan continues to be a central element in Uzbekistan’s diplomatic strategy. Unlike numerous nations that avoid interaction with the transitional administration and exclude Afghanistan from broader regional and global partnerships, Uzbekistan proactively engages with its neighbor to the south.
What motivates Uzbekistan's strategy towards Afghanistan, and what are the possibilities for sustaining the intense level of collaboration between our nations on this matter?
Mirziyoyev states that Uzbekistan's strategy towards Afghanistan has consistently been practical and focused on strategic long-term goals. They have never adopted an isolationist stance nor disregarded their neighboring country.
We have consistently held the view that Afghanistan's progress cannot be achieved without positive interaction with neighboring nations, with Uzbekistan being its nearest and most crucial ally.
We must recognize that numerous individuals who originally opposed our stance on Afghanistan are now forced to acknowledge its validity and necessity.
We believed that the prior leadership in Afghanistan couldn’t hold onto power for multiple reasons: their failure to assert complete dominance across the nation’s landscape, their refusal to converse with dissenting voices, their reluctance to create a representative governing body, and deep-seated graft that infected every tier of the old bureaucracy.
The present administration has succeeded in bringing stability to Afghanistan and reallocating its resources towards infrastructure projects such as airports, internal rail systems, and facilities for water supply and power generation, along with efforts to decrease poppy farming.
Based on United Nations data, after the Taliban banned drug trade in 2023, poppy cultivation in Afghanistan dropped dramatically by 95%. Additionally, measures are underway to assist rural areas and encourage alternate farming methods as part of an effort to create a future for Afghanistan independent of opium reliance.
In today's context, Afghanistan should be viewed through the lens of emerging strategic opportunities. It is critically important to integrate Afghanistan into global economic processes, including through the implementation of infrastructure projects on its territory.
In this context, we are ready to work together with the European Union and other international partners to jointly promote a positive agenda and initiatives that will help Afghanistan not only to overcome the current crises but also to develop in the long term. The primary task at this stage, in our view, is to continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan in the field of education.
I firmly believe that securing stability in Afghanistan and facilitating its rebuilding align with the shared interests of both the Central Asian nations and the European Union.
Euronews: How can Central Asia and the EU jointly address climate threats and what are the opportunities for partnership?
Mirziyoyev states that climate change is an issue which can no longer be overlooked. In Central Asia, this manifests as droughts, melting glaciers, and water scarcity; meanwhile, Europe is grappling with intense heatwaves, raging wildfires, and shifting ecosystems.
Being among the areas most susceptible to climate change, Central Asia acknowledges its duty and is prepared to collaborate with Europe on sustainable long-term remedies.
Our main focus is promoting the green initiative across Central Asia. During the forthcoming Samarkand Summit, we intend to unveil the Regional Green Development Plan. This strategy seeks to establish a robust framework for fostering successful collaborative efforts in managing natural resources sustainably and integrating eco-friendly technologies.
We suggest establishing a Green Partnership between the EU and Central Asia, aimed at pooling resources for financing initiatives related to renewable energy, ecological rehabilitation, and digital climate surveillance.
Another key domain ripe for collaboration with the European Union lies in water preservation efforts, ranging from upgrading irrigation systems to shared initiatives for tracking glacial changes and implementing cutting-edge water-conservation technologies. Additionally, we anticipate enhancing our alliance with the EU by adopting their exemplary approaches in fostering public-private collaborations.
Restoring ecosystems and conserving biodiversity are equally important focuses. We've initiated the Green Belt of Central Asia—a major tree-planting initiative designed to rehabilitate damaged areas, particularly around the Aral Sea. There is significant opportunity for partnership with the European Union in these efforts.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to enhancing environmental education and promoting scientific research. In the past year, we launched the area’s inaugural Green University, providing a robust platform for collaborative studies and the adoption of cutting-edge approaches.
Euronews: Could you please share your expectations of the upcoming meeting at the highest level? What results would you like to see at the summit's end?
Mirziyoyev stated that the forthcoming summit will hold significant historical importance because it will gather, for the very first time, the heads of state from the five Central Asian nations along with those from the European Union in a single location.
We anticipate that the forthcoming summit will mark a significant milestone in advancing ties between Central Asia and the European Union. Over the past few years, our collaboration has attained a substantially higher level.
We are counting on the deepening of political dialogue and the development of new mechanisms of interaction, which will make our cooperation more systematic and oriented towards long-term goals.
An important item on the agenda will be the discussion of interregional cooperation, especially in such areas as economy, trade, energy and transportation.
A major outcome of the summit will be the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration, showcasing the shared desire among participants to forge a strategic partnership.
This statement aims to solidify the accords made and establish a base for strengthening relations among our regions. We aspire to achieve specific understandings regarding increased investment collaboration, the execution of shared infrastructural initiatives, and the promotion of innovation along with digital advancements.
Certainly, numerous queries will find their answers after the outcomes of the summit emerge. Nonetheless, it’s clear that this gathering aims to advance a durable and advantageous collaboration between the European Union and Central Asia. This alliance would rest upon shared objectives, confidence, and an ambition for collective progress.
If you could convey just one message to the European leaders and their citizens, what would it be?
Mirziyoyev: This is an opportune moment for me to direct my comments to our European counterparts.
Central Asia is ready for discussions and enhanced engagement. We promote productive collaboration grounded in mutual benefits and trust, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.
We greatly value the European Union’s backing of our ambitions for making the region more open and prosperous, as well as enhancing its role in global affairs. It is crucial that the EU aligns with us in aiming to turn Central Asia into an integrated and vibrant area prepared for transparent and equitable collaboration with every participant.
The forthcoming summit represents a crucial step in our relationship. We believe that the conclusions drawn from the gathering in Samarkand will pave the way for enhanced collaboration moving forward.
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