On March 27, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin participate in the 20th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Central Asia’s nations and the European Union (EU), which took place in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat.
The Tajik MFA information department reports that during the meeting, the participants thoroughly discussed topical issues on the interregional agenda, the state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between the Central Asian countries and the European Union.
The ministers, in particular, formulated proposals for further strengthening of interregional ties in the fields of economy and trade, energy, transport connectivity, digitalization, education and culture, security and environmental protection.
Special attention was paid to preparations for the upcoming first summit of the heads of Central Asian states and the European Union in Samarkand.
The ministers reportedly also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.
The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the ministers within the framework of the event.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan’s MFA says the meeting participants discussed partnership on introduction of alternative sources of energy and development of green economy with taking into consideration Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish the Regional Center for Technologies related to Climate Change in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat.
The European External Action (EEAS) says the Ministerial meeting was an opportunity to assess the implementation of the five key areas of the EU-Central Asia Roadmap for Deepening Ties, endorsed in October 2023.
The importance of deeper cooperation in addressing common security challenges, including the fight against organized crime, violent extremism, radicalization, and regional security concerns such as developments in Afghanistan were also discussed.
Following the Ministerial meeting, a Joint Communiqué of the 20th Ministerial Meeting "Central Asia – European Union" was adopted.
The meeting also included a side event entitled “International Year of Peace and Trust: Deepening Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union,” in line with the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust.
In addition, bilateral meetings were held between the participants of the Central Asia – European Union ministerial meeting.
