In an open and friendly atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, the participants summed up the past period of multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the states of Central Asia and the EU and reaffirmed their commitment to continue building a strong, versatile and promising partnership based on common values and mutual interests, Kazinform reports. .
October 27 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokaev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan E. Rahmon, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan S.G. Berdimuhamedov (represented by the Deputy Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan) and President of the European Council Ch. Michel welcomed the first regional summit in Astana.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to work together for peace, security, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development, in full respect of international law. They expressed their unwavering commitment to upholding the UN Charter, especially the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, the non-use or threat of force, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
In the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the states of Central Asia and the EU, interregional cooperation has advanced in many areas and sectors, exemplifying a multilateral partnership for prosperity and sustainability.
The leaders noted the importance of strengthening dialogue on the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and the work of institutions, which are the guiding principles of interregional cooperation in the framework of the EU Strategy for Central Asia of 17 June 2019.
The participants welcomed the institutionalization of relations between Central Asia and the EU within the existing high-level platforms, and also stressed the importance of the active involvement of civil society in the development of interregional cooperation.
The President of the European Council welcomed the efforts of the leaders of the Central Asian countries to strengthen regional cooperation and interconnectedness, outlined in the Joint Statements of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
The Heads of State of Central Asia praised the EU's contribution to boosting economic development after the pandemic, overcoming social and economic challenges caused by COVID-19, and promoting cross-border cooperation in the region. Support and expansion of mechanisms for mutual trade and investment gives a qualitative impetus to the socio-economic development of all parties. The parties stressed that the creation of an enabling environment for doing business would further boost investment in the region, develop connectivity and trade. In this context, the parties welcomed the new platform of the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum.
The participants expressed their common concern about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need to expand cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. Participants stressed the importance of promoting and respecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls and minorities, and building an inclusive and representative government. In this context, the interim results of the EU and UNDP pilot project on the education of Afghan girls at the universities of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as within the framework of special educational programs in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, are significant. These initiatives aim to create higher education opportunities for Afghan citizens and contribute to the inclusive socio-economic development of women in Afghan society.
The parties noted the positive results and potential of cooperation between Central Asia and the EU in the field of border management and security, in the joint fight against terrorism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, transnational drug trafficking and cyber security threats in accordance with universal principles.
Participants stressed the critical importance of developing a regional vision and cooperation in building sustainable connectivity between Central Asia and the EU in line with the EU's Global Gateway strategy and the national transport and transit development goals of the Central Asian countries.
The leaders of the countries of Central Asia welcome the intention of the EU to promote the development of sustainable transport logistics and digital connectivity while adhering to green development standards. The expected results of the EU Study on Sustainable Connectivity in Central Asia are important, as is the close cooperation between the parties on the harmonization of transport routes between Central Asia and the EU, including with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Participants welcomed the November 2022 EU-Central Asia Ministerial Conference on Connectivity.
The participants expressed their interest in strengthening joint actions in the field of "green development", environmental protection and climate change in accordance with the Paris commitments of the parties. Taking into account the positive experience of the EU in the development and implementation of mechanisms for the joint management of water resources and transboundary rivers, the participants discussed options for strengthening interregional cooperation in the implementation of innovative, mutually beneficial and open water and energy partnerships in Central Asia. The parties note the importance of strengthening expert and analytical interaction between the analytical centers of the two regions in order to develop joint approaches to common challenges.
The participants expressed their deep gratitude to Kazakhstan for the initiative and holding the first meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and the EU and agreed to meet regularly.
inozPRESS.kg,
27 октября 2022 года