DUSHANBE, December 22, 2015, Asia-Plus — The 11th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting took place in the Kazakh capital, Astana, yesterday.
The Tajik MFA information department says the meeting 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,
Tajik delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Parviz Davlatzoda.
Presided over by HR/VP Federica Mogherini, the meeting reportedly focused on the development of overall relations between the EU and Central Asia.
The meeting participants also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest across a range of sectors, and combating common threats and challenges.
According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), participants discussed a wide range of issues of shared interest, including the development of overall relations between the EU and Central Asia, regional and international issues of mutual interest, combating common threats and challenges. The discussion on security issues will continue bilaterally and within the framework of the High Level Security Dialogue.
They, in particular, discussed the recent review of the EU Central Asia Strategy. The Foreign Ministers welcomed the European Union”s commitment to engagement with the Central Asian countries and the significant increase to over EUR 1 billion of financial support to programs to be implemented in Central Asia in the period 2014-2020. The Participants agreed on the importance of a comprehensive EU approach to the region, which encompasses not only multilateral financial assistance, but also support by individual EU Member States and the active engagement of European financial institutions.
The meeting resulted in singing of a joint communiqué.
The Foreign Ministers reportedly welcomed the EU’s commitment to a relationship with Central Asia based on the principles of responsibility and cooperation, aimed at fostering the stable, secure and sustainable development of this region. They welcomed the involvement of the EU Member States in the regional platforms, and in programs for border management and drugs, including BOMCA and CADAP.
Participants agreed that EU-Central Asia cooperation needs to be more result-oriented, combining the multilateral dimension with a bilateral approach that reflects the specifics of each of the 5 Central Asian countries.
They also agreed that, particularly in today”s complex international environment, it is important to strengthen the resilience of societies through good governance, including the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, as well as by building a democratic society.
Participants welcomed the strong trade and investment ties between the European Union and Central Asian countries and agreed on the need to further strengthen mutually beneficial economic cooperation. They underlined the importance of transparent rules and regulations for a favorable investment climate in the Central Asia region, which will promote the region’s further sustainable economic development.
