President of the European Council António Costa made remarks at the CA-EU Samarkand Summit today: “The partnership between the Central Asia and the European Union is a journey, not an end in itself.”
“This Summit marks the beginning of a new dimension in our relations, and it will not be a one-off event”.
“The European Union is ready to expand cooperation with Central Asia in various areas.”
“Climate change is an area where our joint action is needed not only for our common good, but also for the sake of stability, security and prosperity in the world”.
“Europe’s two climate banks, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), are already supporting key climate initiatives in Central Asia. “We intend to significantly expand this cooperation”.
“As we face common security threats that are steadily increasing in the world, it must be recognized that these threats are acquiring a transnational character. No region is immune to such risks, and therefore we must step up our cooperation”.
“The EU is implementing border management and drug-related crime programmes in Central Asia, and that the EU also supports the region through counter-terrorism initiatives, including law enforcement cooperation, countering terrorist financing, and preventing violent extremism and radicalisation.”
“Regular dialogues on drugs between our regions are one example of areas where we can develop cooperation to address these challenges. I am particularly pleased that we have agreed to launch a separate dialogue on countering terrorism and violent extremism. This is an important step forward in addressing common security threats”.
“As for Afghanistan, multiple security threats – especially terrorism, violent extremism and drug trafficking – pose a risk of spillover to Central Asia and Europe”.
“Central Asia has valuable experience and knowledge on how best to mitigate these risks. Together we can work to ensure regional stability”.
“There is an increase in the spread of fake news used for political purposes. In the European Union, we take this threat seriously and remain committed to strengthening resilience both within the EU and in partner countries”.
“The most serious security threat we face today is Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. This war goes far beyond Ukraine and Europe; it is not a local conflict, but an attack on the very essence of the rules-based international order”.
“Today, there is a new impetus for the peace process in Ukraine. “We must work together to ensure that it is achieved. The European Union fully supports these efforts and will contribute to them in every possible way. I urge for the protection of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.”
“The European Union is committed to building a mutually beneficial partnership with Central Asia – a partnership that will exceed expectations and become a living example of what is possible when countries come together in a spirit of cooperation. Our relations have never been stronger, and we must now move forward with ambition to write the next chapters of the strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union”.
