DUSHANBE, December 21, 2015, Asia-Plus — The 11th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting is taking place in the Kazakh capital, Astana, today.
According to the Kazakh foreign ministry, the meeting has brought together the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) and Ministers and Deputy Ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan,
Presided over by HR/VP Federica Mogherini, the meeting is reportedly focusing on the development of overall relations between the EU and Central Asia.
The meeting participants are also exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest across a range of sectors, and combating common threats and challenges.
A number of bilateral meetings are expected to take place in the margins.
Following the Ministerial Meeting, the HR/VP and Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov will sign the European Union – Republic of Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The Agreement is expected to enhance EU-Kazakhstan relations in a wide range of sectors, including on political, economic and societal issues. It will replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in force since 1999.
