The countries of Central Asia and the European Union (EU) have adopted a joint declaration, which envisages the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two regions. The declaration was adopted following the results of the first Central Asia-European Union summit in Samarkand.
On April 4, 2025, the first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The event was attended by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov; the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, as well as the heads of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.
Summit The agenda discussed the prospects for developing multilateral relations between the Central Asian states and the European Union and the opportunities for deepening practical cooperation. The parties exchanged views on topical issues of international and regional policy.
Special attention was paid to expanding investment cooperation, increasing the volume of trade, and promoting joint programs and cooperation projects in the fields of innovation, “green” energy, extractive industries, agriculture, transport, logistics, and digitalization. In addition, the importance of continuing active exchanges in culture, tourism, science, education, and other priority areas was emphasized.
