The European Council says that during an open and constructive meeting, the participants of the 2nd EU-Central Asia Summit reviewed the multilateral and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Central Asian nations since last year's inaugural meeting in Astana, and discussed the EU – Central Asia relations in the context of international developments. They reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to continue the high-level dialogue at the level of the Heads of State and the EU and to the development of the EU- Central Asia partnership in line with the priority areas identified between the Parties with the shared goal of a prosperous and secure Central Asia.
The participants welcomed the contribution of the existing and new high-level platforms in support of further institutionalization of the relationship between the Central Asian countries and the EU.
They expressed continued commitment to uphold the UN Charter, particularly the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of all countries, non-use of force or threat of its use and peaceful settlement of international disputes.
The participants articulated common concern over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and re-affirmed their commitment to see Afghanistan develop into a secure, peaceful, stable, prosperous country. In this regard, they recognized the efforts of the international community to assist the people of Afghanistan in a principled manner and in accordance with international law and universally recognized norms and principles, despite difficult circumstances. Participants called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and noted the key role of the UN in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in a principled manner. They underlined the importance of the establishment of an inclusive and representative government and the importance of promotion of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans citizens, in particular women, girls and ethnic groups.
They emphasized the inadmissibility of public appeals and incitement to terrorism and extremism and advocated the intensification of efforts to combat the spread of terrorism ideology and propaganda through the Internet.
The participants tasked their foreign ministers and EU’s HRVP Borrell to formalize and advance the implementation of the Joint Road Map for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia.
They agreed that diversification efforts and closer sustainable connectivity goals in line with the Global Gateway strategy remain to be of an utmost importance.
The participants confirmed the need to continue high-level dialogue and interregional cooperation between the EU and Central Asian countries for the implementation of an innovative, mutually beneficial and open water-energy cooperation in Central Asia in the areas of rational use and protection of water resources, adaptation to climate change, as well as conservation of the environment and biodiversity in Central Asia.
They noted the negative impact of the Aral Sea disaster on regional security and advocated the need to intensify joint efforts to find the most acceptable solutions to overcome the problem.
The participants agreed to meet on a regular basis, aiming to hold their next meeting as a first Summit next year. The Uzbek side has proposed to host the meeting in Uzbekistan.
