The President of Uzbekistan, in his speech at the first "Central Asia - EU" summit, addressed the issue of regional security and cooperation with Afghanistan.
Security threats are common for both regions, including terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration, according to Gazeta.uz.
"We support the European partners' proposal to launch a dialogue on counterterrorism issues," stated the President of Uzbekistan.
He added that it is essential to expand cooperation within the BOMCA and CADAP programs.
Mirziyoyev also stated that Uzbekistan is ready to continue supporting Afghanistan’s peaceful development.
"Unfortunately, the international community underestimates all the challenges emanating from this country. We believe it is necessary to actively involve the Afghan side in regional economic processes, including through investment and infrastructure projects and the restoration of the social sector," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He expressed hope for understanding and support in establishing a constructive dialogue between the international community and Afghanistan’s current authorities to ensure the fulfillment of their commitments.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that Central Asia shares the EU’s commitment to the principles and norms of international law. He noted that the region’s countries support the start of negotiations for a peaceful resolution of the situation around Ukraine.
According to the Uzbek leader, Central Asia’s openness and willingness for mutually beneficial cooperation have been crucial in ensuring regional security and prosperity.
Additionally, Mirziyoyev congratulated his colleagues, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyzstan’s leader Sadyr Japarov, on the final resolution of the border issue between the three republics.
The President of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that cooperation would continue both within the region and with other partners. Large-scale events are planned for the fall.
For example, Uzbekistan will host the seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State. Additionally, the country will hold the first meeting of the Central Asia-EU Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum.
The first "Central Asia - EU" summit was held in Samarkand. Participants included EU President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of Uzbekistan (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), Kazakhstan (Kassym-Jomart Tokayev), Kyrgyzstan (Sadyr Japarov), Tajikistan (Emomali Rahmon), and Turkmenistan (Serdar Berdimuhamedov).
The summit, held under the slogan "Investing in the Future", was also attended by representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 4, 2025