|
The
leaders of the European Union and five Central Asian countries
held their first summit on Friday and declared a new strategic
partnership to boost trade and other ties.
The summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is attended by European
Council President António Costa, European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Costa declared that “the European Union is eager to build a
mutually beneficial partnership with Central Asia, one that goes
beyond expectations.”
Von der Leyen said that the summit is set to “deepen trade ties
and expand cooperation in transport, critical raw materials,
digital connectivity, water and energy.” She announced a 12
billion-euro ($13.2 billion) Gateway Investment Package to
increase cooperation in transport, critical raw materials, clean
energy and digital connectivity.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said hat during the
past seven years trade between Central Asian and EU countries
has increased to 54 billion euros ($60 billion), adding that the
summit “should become the starting point of a new stage in the
development of multi-faceted relations.”
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
