“We have a historic opportunity to make our region not only stable, but also prosperous”
– The world has been changing rapidly in recent years: geopolitical instability, growing economic risks, problems related to climate change – all of this requires new formats of international cooperation.
From this perspective, the Central Asia-European Union summit in Samarkand is seen as a turning point in relations between our regions. Why is cooperation reaching a new level at this very moment?
– Our regions are connected by deep historical roots, common interests and an objective aspiration for close partnership. Today, we have formed a clear agenda based on almost thirty years of fruitful experience of cooperation with the European Union.
Our partnership with the European Union is a two-way process, from which both sides should benefit.
The “Central Asia – European Union” format is a unique cooperation platform, unparalleled in terms of its size and institutional scope. The European Union, which brings together 27 countries, including three G7 countries (Germany, France and Italy), is the largest integration structure that has established systematic cooperation with Central Asia at the regional level. Cooperation with the European Union covers a wide range of areas, from economy and investment to sustainable development, security and digital transformation, and is based on long-term strategic priorities.
We meet regularly with our European partners. Visits by heads of state to our region have become significantly more frequent. Uzbekistan has established strategic partnerships with Italy and France. Germany and the countries of Central Asia have become regional strategic partners.
Today, the European Union is consistently developing trade and investment relations with the countries of Central Asia. Over the past seven years, the trade turnover of Central Asian countries with the EU has quadrupled to €54 billion.
We are pleased to see the growing interest of European businesses in the opportunities for trade and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan and other countries in the region.
The positive processes observed in our region are making Central Asia a reliable partner for powerful and leading countries at the geopolitical crossroads connecting East and West, North and South. This is reflected in the “Central Asia Plus” formats. They serve to support open dialogue and create favorable opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation for all parties.
In this context, the establishment of a strategic partnership between the European Union and the countries of our region at the Samarkand summit will open up new directions in the development of interregional cooperation and connectivity.
- Please elaborate on the reason for choosing the city of Samarkand as the venue for the summit. What symbolic significance does Samarkand have in terms of dialogue and opportunities?
– Samarkand is a city that has been a center of trade, science, and diplomacy for centuries. Its greatness has brought together different cultures, peoples, and ideas. Today, it is once again becoming a platform for dialogue where Europe and Central Asia can discuss the main problems of our time.
Samarkand occupies a special place in the history of centuries-old international relations of the peoples inhabiting Central, South Asia, and the Middle East. More than six centuries ago, it was from here that the ruler of Transoxiana, Amir Temur, established active contacts with European monarchs in order to ensure free and secure trade.
Today, Samarkand is restoring its unique place in international life and, preserving the historical political and diplomatic heritage of our country, enriching it with a new, broader meaning.
According to the historically formed understanding, when viewed from Samarkand, the world does not appear fragmented, but rather whole and indivisible. This is the essence of the unique phenomenon called the “Samarkand spirit”, which serves as the basis for the formation of a fundamentally new format of international cooperation.
– How would you characterize the main changes that have occurred in the region in recent years, what priority areas will you pay attention to during the presidency of Uzbekistan in the Central Asian Five?
– First of all, I would like to emphasize that Central Asia is a priority area of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, if we look at the map of today’s world politics, we see that most of the armed conflicts, contradictions and situations of escalation of violence occur precisely between neighboring countries. This is also typical for the Middle East, the post-Soviet space, South Asia, Africa and other regions.
Unfortunately, Central Asia is no exception to such situations It was not. At different times, armed conflicts took place here, border issues, water and energy problems, difficulties in the transport and communications sectors, security threats aggravated the situation. This could not last long. Disagreements intensified, disagreements deepened, and the emerging complex situation began to pose a serious threat to the security of the region.
We, realizing this real situation, made a strategic decision: to gradually build constructive, good-neighborly and mutually beneficial relations in Central Asia. At the heart of this approach lies mutual trust and respect, consideration and recognition of common interests.
In recent years, Central Asia has radically changed, acquired a new look - it has become a space for constructive dialogue, trust and comprehensive cooperation. This was achieved thanks to the common political will of the leaders of our countries. Today we can say with confidence that this process is irreversible.
When Uzbekistan initiated the Consultative Meetings at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in 2017, we proceeded from a simple but important idea: if we do not ourselves initiate mutual trust and open dialogue, no external partners will be able to ensure peace, stability and development in our region. This process has shown its effectiveness. Today, we are resolving the most complex issues through negotiations, coordinating joint initiatives and taking bold steps forward.
This year, the seventh Consultative Meeting will be held in Tashkent. At such meetings, we not only discuss the agenda, exchange views, but also make concrete decisions that will change the face of the region. A vivid recent example is the final resolution of the issue of delimitation of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This is a success achieved thanks to the efforts of the parties over many years.
To stimulate trade relations, cross-border trade zones are being established, joint investment funds are being launched, and large infrastructure and industrial projects are being implemented.
Central Asia is becoming an important link in global transport chains. We are actively developing the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan transport corridors - this will serve to expand our countries' access to world markets.
Thus, Central Asia is no longer on the sidelines of history, but is becoming a rapidly developing region that is shaping its own strategic agenda. Political will, a high level of mutual trust, and joint economic initiatives have created new opportunities for sustainable development in the region.
During Uzbekistan's chairmanship of the Central Asian Five, we will pay special attention to the following three priority areas: strengthening regional security, deepening economic integration, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
We have a historic opportunity to make our future not only sustainable, but also prosperous. I can confidently say that we are able to realize this potential together.
– What reforms are being implemented in Uzbekistan that serve to stimulate economic cooperation with the European Union, and what measures can be taken by the EU to bring relations with Central Asia to a new level?
– We are consistently creating a favorable business environment in Uzbekistan, developing market institutions, and improving the investment climate. One of the important steps was the introduction of a “single window” system for foreign investors, liberalization of the foreign exchange market, and reduction of the tax burden for businesses.
As a result, positive momentum is being observed in economic cooperation between our country and the European Union. In 2024, the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and the European Union countries reached $6.4 billion, which is 5.2% more than last year. More than 1,000 enterprises with European capital are operating in our country, and the volume of investment projects has reached €30 billion. We believe that the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union will open up new opportunities for further deepening trade and investment ties.
We are ready to supply the EU market with more high-quality, environmentally friendly products that meet European standards. Today, the development of effective transport and logistics corridors is becoming increasingly important, and Central Asia can become not just a “bridge” between Europe and Asia, but an active participant in global economic processes.
In this regard, we propose to harmonize the European Union’s “Global Gateway” strategy with key transport projects in the region, and jointly develop an “Action Plan” to promote the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This will give new impetus to increased investment, infrastructure development, and the introduction of innovative technologies.
In order to bring economic connectivity to a qualitatively new level, it is necessary to further simplify trade procedures, establish a Marka It is necessary to improve the access of Asian products to the European market, harmonize technical standards and certificates. At the same time, it is important to actively involve European business in the implementation of infrastructure projects, the development of the digital economy and innovative cooperation.
We also support the activation of financial support mechanisms through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and other international financial institutions. The creation of favorable conditions for the development of small and medium-sized businesses with the participation of European partners will serve to increase the economic stability of the region and the well-being of the population.
– Central Asia is one of the few regions rich in energy resources and with great potential for the development of renewable energy. Given the future trends in the use of renewable sources, what role can your region play in ensuring Europe's energy sustainability?
– Central Asia can become a reliable partner that can not only ensure a stable supply of energy resources, but also make a significant contribution to the global process of reducing carbon emissions.
The project to build a “green strategic corridor” to Europe through the Caspian and Black Seas, which is being implemented with the participation of Central Asian countries, has great potential for cooperation. The implementation of this project will create a solid foundation for mutually beneficial energy relations.
The Central Asia-EU Partnership on Clean Energy could be established as an important institutional platform for cooperation in the field of renewable energy. This will allow for cooperation in the production of “green” fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, as well as biofuels, and their widespread use instead of fossil fuels.
At the same time, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region are actively expanding their renewable energy potential. The implementation of projects in the field of “green” energy and climate will serve to develop the “carbon credits” market in Central Asia. This mechanism will allow enterprises to attract investments in environmentally friendly technologies, and will also become a platform for international cooperation in the field of carbon quota trading.
For example, in addition to the 14 new solar and wind power plants already in operation, we intend to implement more than 50 such projects with a total capacity of 24 thousand megawatts.
We plan to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 54% in the next five years. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 16 million tons and allow Uzbekistan to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% ahead of schedule.
Another important direction is the modernization of energy systems, which will increase their efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.
– How do you assess the prospects for discussing security issues at the upcoming summit? What areas of cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union are of particular importance to you?
– We are witnessing a profound transformation of the system of international relations. The world is undergoing such large-scale changes that it is difficult to predict their consequences with certainty.
Ensuring regional security has always been and remains a priority for the countries of Central Asia. Therefore, in 2023, we set ourselves the task of presenting a new agenda for cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the European Union in this area for expert discussion.
We understand well that both our region and the European Union face common threats and dangers in the field of security, including in the fight against terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, and drug trafficking.
From this point of view, cooperation with the European Union in the field of security is one of the main directions of our mutual relations.
Taking into account today's realities, we consider it important not to limit ourselves to continuing cooperation within the framework of existing programs, but also to develop new initiatives aimed at combating cyber threats and extremism.
- Afghanistan remains one of the important directions of Uzbekistan's foreign policy. While many countries refrain from cooperating with the interim government and involving this country in regional and international cooperation processes, Uzbekistan continues to actively engage with its southern neighbor.
What are the reasons for Uzbekistan's such an approach to Afghanistan, and what are the prospects for continuing intensive cooperation between our countries on this issue?
- Uzbekistan's approach to Afghanistan has always been based on pragmatic and long-term strategic principles. We have never turned our backs on our neighbor, we have never severed ties with him. We are committed to the development of neighboring countries, including its close and We have always believed that the development of Afghanistan is impossible without constructive cooperation with Uzbekistan, as its most important partner.
It is worth noting that many of those who did not support our policy towards Afghanistan are now forced to admit that it is correct and has no opposite. We were convinced that the previous regime in Afghanistan could not retain power for a number of reasons. Among these reasons are the inability of the previous government to fully control the country's territory, its unwillingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition, its unwillingness to form an inclusive government, and the rampant corruption at all levels of government.
The current leadership has managed to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan, direct its resources to the development of airports, internal railways, water and energy infrastructure, and the reduction of poppy fields. According to the UN, since the Taliban banned the drug trade in 2023, the area under poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95 percent. In order to build a future free of poppy, rural areas are being assisted and alternative agricultural sectors are being developed in Afghanistan.
In today's environment, we believe that it is necessary to look at Afghanistan from the perspective of strategic opportunities. It is very important to involve this country in international economic processes, in particular, to implement infrastructure projects on its territory.
In this sense, we are ready to work with the European Union and other international partners to promote a positive agenda and initiatives that will allow Afghanistan not only to overcome the current crisis, but also to develop long-term. At present, we believe that the first priority is to continue providing assistance to Afghanistan in the field of education.
I am convinced that stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and rebuilding the country are in the common interests of the countries of Central Asia and the European Union.
– How can Central Asia and the European Union jointly address climate threats, and what opportunities are there for cooperation in this area?
– Climate change is a threat that can no longer be denied. While Central Asia is facing drought, melting glaciers and water scarcity, Europe is facing anomalous heat waves, fires and changes in ecosystems.
As one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, Central Asia fully understands its responsibility and is ready to cooperate with Europe on long-term solutions.
An undisputed priority for us is to promote the “green” agenda in Central Asia.
As part of the Samarkand Summit, we plan to present a draft regional concept for “green” development. It envisages creating a solid basis for effective regional cooperation in the field of rational use of natural resources and the introduction of “green” technologies.
We propose to develop the “EU-Central Asia Green Partnership” program. Within its framework, we can join forces in financing projects on renewable energy sources, ecosystem restoration, and digital climate monitoring.
We believe that it is important to unite efforts in the field of water resource conservation.
In this regard, we see great opportunities for cooperation with the European Union in areas ranging from the modernization of irrigation infrastructure to joint monitoring of glaciers and the introduction of advanced water-saving technologies.
We have high hopes for expanding cooperation with the EU, in particular, using European experience in the field of public-private partnerships.
Another priority area is the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.
We have already launched a large-scale program for the greening of degraded lands, including the Aral Sea region - the “Green Belt of Central Asia” project.
There is great potential for cooperation with the European Union in this area.
We are also paying priority attention to improving the education system and conducting scientific research in the environmental sphere. Last year, we opened the first “Green” University in our region, which can serve as an effective platform for joint research and innovation.
– What do you expect from the upcoming high-level meeting? What results would you like to achieve as a result of the summit?
– The upcoming summit will be truly historic, because for the first time the leaders of five Central Asian countries and the European Union will gather in one place.
We expect this summit to be a new page in the development of relations between Central Asia and the European Union. In recent years, our cooperation has reached a qualitatively new level.
We hope that political dialogue will further deepen, new mechanisms will be developed that will give our cooperation a more systematic character and direct it towards long-term goals. Interregional cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, energy and transport, will be The discussion of cooperation will be one of the important issues on the summit agenda.
The signing of the Samarkand Declaration should be one of the main outcomes of the summit. This document reflects the common aspiration of the parties to establish a strategic partnership. The Declaration will not only consolidate the agreements reached, but also create a basis for deepening ties between our regions.
We hope to reach concrete agreements on expanding investment cooperation, implementing joint infrastructure projects, supporting innovations and digital solutions.
Of course, many questions will be answered at the end of the summit. However, it can already be said that this meeting will become an important step towards building a stable, mutually beneficial partnership between the European Union and Central Asia. This partnership will be based on common interests, trust and the pursuit of common development.
– If you had the opportunity to convey one important thought to European leaders and citizens, what would you say?
– I would like to take this opportunity to address our European partners.
Central Asia is open to expanding dialogue and cooperation. We are committed to constructive cooperation based on mutual benefit and trust, serving sustainable development and increasing the well-being of our peoples.
We highly appreciate the European Union's support for our efforts to ensure openness of the region, strengthen its prosperity and subjectivity. It is especially important that the European Union shares our goal of transforming Central Asia into a region of stable and dynamic development, ready for an open and equal partnership with all interested parties.
The upcoming summit will be an important stage in our relations. We believe that the results of the meeting in Samarkand will open up new prospects for the further development of our cooperation.
