In an interview with Euronews ahead of the first Central Asia-EU summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke about relations between the two regions, key changes in Central Asia in recent years, and expectations for the upcoming summit.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave an interview to Euronews ahead of the first Central Asia-European Union summit, which will open in Samarkand on April 3. Gazeta.uz provides the full text of the interview.

— In recent years, the world has been changing rapidly: geopolitical instability, growing economic risks, climate challenges — all this requires new formats of international cooperation. In this context, the Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand looks like a turning point in relations between the two regions. Why is cooperation reaching a new level now?

— Our regions are connected by deep historical roots, common interests, and an objective desire for close partnership. We have formed a clear vision of the agenda of interaction with the European Union, based on almost thirty years of experience of cooperation.

Our partnership with the European Union is a two-way relationship from which both sides should benefit.

The Central Asia-European Union cooperation format is a unique platform for interaction and has no analogues in its scale and institutional coverage. The European Union, which unites 27 states, including three G7 countries (Germany, France and Italy), is the largest integration association building systemic interaction with Central Asia at the interregional level. Cooperation with the EU covers a wide range of areas – from economics and investment to sustainable development, security and digital transformation – and is based on long-term strategic priorities.

We regularly meet with European colleagues. Visits to the region by leaders of the world’s leading countries have noticeably increased. Uzbekistan has established strategic partnerships with Italy and France. Germany and the Central Asian countries have become regional strategic partners.

 

Today, the European Union is consistently developing trade and investment ties with the Central Asian states. Over the past seven years, trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the EU has quadrupled, amounting to 54 billion euros.

We are pleased to see growing interest from European businesses in opportunities for trade and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan and other countries in the region.

The positive processes observed in the region increase interest in Central Asia, turning the region into an important partner of world powers and leading states at the geopolitically important crossroads of the main routes between East and West, North and South. This is reflected in the “CA Plus” formats, which allow maintaining an open dialogue, creating favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation between all interested parties.

In these conditions, the establishment of a strategic partnership between the countries of our region and the European Union at the summit in Samarkand will open up new directions in the development of interregional cooperation and interconnectedness.

— Could you elaborate on the choice of Samarkand for the summit? What symbolic significance does it 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 was built on the ability to unite cultures, peoples and ideas. Today, it is once again becoming a platform where Europe and Central Asia can discuss the key challenges of our time.

Samarkand occupies a special place in the centuries-old history of international relations of the peoples living in the vast expanses of Central, South Asia and the Middle East. It was from here that the ruler of Maverannahr, Amir Temur, more than six centuries ago, actively contacted European monarchs in order to ensure free and safe trade.

Currently, Samarkand is restoring its special role in international life, preserving and enhancing the country’s historical political and diplomatic heritage in a new, broader format.

Historically, the world from Samarkand is seen as united and indivisible, not disunited. This is the essence of the unique phenomenon – the “Samarkand spirit”, on the basis of which a fundamentally new format of international interaction is being built.

— How would you characterize the key changes that have taken place in the region in recent years, and what priorities do you set for the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Central Asian Five?

— First of all, I would like to emphasize that Central Asia is the main priority in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy due to a number of factors. Firstly, if you look at the political map of the modern world, it becomes obvious that the vast majority of armed conflicts, confrontations and outbreaks of violence occur between neighboring states. This applies to the Middle East, the post-Soviet space, South Asia, Africa, and other regions of the world.

Unfortunately, Central Asia was no exception. At various times, armed clashes occurred here, the situation was complicated by unresolved territorial disputes, water and energy problems, transport and communications issues, as well as security challenges. All this could not continue indefinitely. Contradictions escalated, disagreements deepened, and the emerging difficult situation posed a serious threat to the security of the region.

Recognizing this reality, we have made a strategic decision: step by step to build constructive, good-neighborly and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring states in Central Asia. This approach is based on mutual trust and respect, consideration and recognition of common interests.

Central Asia has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, acquiring a new appearance as a space of constructive dialogue, trust and comprehensive cooperation. This became possible thanks to the common political will of the leaders of our countries, and today we can confidently speak about the irreversibility of this process.

When Uzbekistan put forward the initiative to hold Consultative Meetings at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in 2017, we proceeded from a simple but important idea: no external partners will be able to help us build peace, stability and prosperity in the region if we do not start with a trusting and frank dialogue. This process has proven its effectiveness. Today, we resolve the most difficult issues at the negotiating table, coordinate joint initiatives and confidently move forward.

This year, the 7th Consultative Meeting will be held in Tashkent. At such meetings, we do not simply discuss the agenda and “synchronize watches”, but we already make specific decisions that change the face of the region. One of the striking examples of recent times was the complete settlement of the issue of delimitation of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This is a breakthrough that the parties have been working towards for many years.

To stimulate trade, border trade zones are being created, 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, which will allow our countries to expand their access to key global markets.

Thus, Central Asia is no longer on the backwaters of history, but is becoming a dynamically developing region that is forming its own strategic agenda. Political consolidation, the achieved high level of trust and joint economic initiatives in the region have created new opportunities for sustainable development.

During its chairmanship of the Central Asian Five, Uzbekistan will pay special attention to three key areas: strengthening regional security, deepening economic integration and environmental sustainability.

We have a historic opportunity to make our region not only sustainable, but also prosperous. I am convinced that by working together we can realize this potential.

— What reforms are being carried out in Uzbekistan that stimulate the strengthening of economic partnership with the European Union, and what measures by the EU can take ties with Central Asia to a new level?

— In Uzbekistan, we are consistently creating a favorable business environment, developing market institutions and improving the investment climate. Important steps have been the introduction of a “single window” system for foreign investors, liberalization of the currency market, and reduction of the tax burden for business.

As a result, our country’s economic cooperation with the EU is showing positive dynamics. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the EU countries reached $6.4 billion, an increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year, more than 1,000 enterprises with European capital operate in Uzbekistan, and the total volume of investment projects is 30 billion euros. We expect that the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU will open up new opportunities for deepening trade and investment ties.

We are ready to supply the EU market with more high-quality, environmentally friendly products that meet high European standards. In modern conditions, the importance of developing effective transport and logistics corridors is growing, and Central Asia can become not just a “bridge” between Europe and Asia, but also an active participant in global economic processes.

In this context, we propose linking the EU Global Gateway Strategy with key transport projects in our region, as well as jointly developing an Action Plan to promote the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This will give momentum to investment growth, infrastructure development and the introduction of innovative technologies.

To take economic interconnectedness to a qualitatively new level, it is necessary to further simplify trade procedures, improve access of Central Asian goods to European markets, harmonize technical standards and certification. Involving European businesses in the implementation of infrastructure projects, developing the digital economy and innovative cooperation plays an important role.

We also support the activation of financial support mechanisms, including through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and other international financial institutions. Creating favorable conditions for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in the region with the participation of European partners will help strengthen economic sustainability and improve the standard of living of the population.

— Central Asia is one of the few regions with significant energy reserves and huge potential for renewable energy development. What role can your region play in ensuring energy stability in Europe, especially given the recent trends towards the use of renewable energy sources?

— Central Asia can become a reliable partner capable of not only ensuring stable energy supplies, but also making a significant contribution to global decarbonization.

The enormous potential for cooperation is connected with the project of creating a “green strategic corridor” through the Caspian and Black Seas to Europe, which is being implemented with the participation of Central Asian countries. Its implementation will lay a solid foundation for our mutually beneficial energy interconnectedness.

An important institutional platform for cooperation in renewable energy could be the establishment of the Central Asia-EU Partnership on Clean Energy, which would allow for cooperation in the production of “green” hydrogen and ammonia, as well as biofuels for their widespread use instead of fossil fuels.

Currently, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region are actively expanding the potential of renewable energy. The implementation of projects in the field of “green” energy and climate will contribute to the development of the carbon credit market in the Central Asian region. This mechanism will allow enterprises to attract investment in environmentally friendly technologies, and will also become a platform for international cooperation in the field of carbon trading.

Thus, in addition to the 14 new solar and wind power plants already commissioned, we intend to implement more than 50 similar 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 will contribute to the early fulfillment of Uzbekistan’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% under the Paris Agreement.

Another important area is the modernization of energy systems, which will improve their efficiency and reduce their 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 EU are of particular interest to you?

— We are witnessing a profound transformation of the system of international relations. Large-scale changes are taking place in the world, the consequences of which are difficult to predict.

Ensuring regional security has always been and continues to be one of the most important priorities for the Central Asian countries. That is why, in 2023, we set the task of submitting a new agenda for cooperation between the Central Asian countries and the EU in this area for expert discussion.

We understand that our region and the European Union face common threats and challenges in the field of security, including in the fight against terrorism, extremism and transnational crime, including drug trafficking.

In this regard, cooperation with the European Union in the field of security is one of the key areas of our interaction.

Taking into account modern realities, we consider it important not only to continue cooperation within the framework of existing programs, but also to develop new initiatives aimed at countering cyber threats and extremism.

— Afghanistan remains one of the key areas of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. While many countries refrain from interacting with the interim government and integrating Afghanistan into regional and international cooperation, Uzbekistan actively interacts with its southern neighbor. What determines Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan and what are the prospects for maintaining the high dynamics of cooperation between our countries on this issue?

— Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan has always been pragmatic and long-term strategic. We have never closed ourselves off or turned away from our neighbor. We have always believed that Afghanistan’s development is impossible without constructive interaction with neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, as its closest and most important partner.

It must be acknowledged that many who did not agree with our policy towards Afghanistan are now forced to admit that it was correct and that there was no alternative. We were convinced that the previous regime in Afghanistan would not be able to retain power due to a number of circumstances. Among them were the inability to establish full control over the entire territory of the country, the unwillingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition and the lack of any desire to create an inclusive government, as well as the large-scale corruption that permeated all levels of the previous government.

The current leadership has managed to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan, focusing its resources on developing infrastructure, including airports, internal rail networks, water and energy facilities, and reducing opium cultivation. According to the UN, opium cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95% since the Taliban banned the sale of drugs in 2023. Rural communities are being helped, and alternative agriculture is being developed to build a future without opium in Afghanistan.

We believe that in modern conditions Afghanistan should be viewed through the prism of emerging strategic opportunities. It is critically important to involve Afghanistan in international economic processes, including through the implementation of infrastructure projects on its territory.

In this context, we are ready to work together with the European Union and other international partners to jointly advance a positive agenda and initiatives that will help Afghanistan not only overcome the current crises, but also develop in the long term. The primary task at this stage, in our view, is to continue providing assistance to Afghanistan in the field of education.

I am confident that stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and its restoration are in the common interests of the countries of Central Asia and the European Union.

— How can Central Asia and the EU work together to address climate threats and what opportunities are there for partnership?

— Climate change is a challenge that can no longer be ignored. Central Asia faces droughts, melting glaciers and water shortages, Europe — abnormal heat, fires and ecosystem changes.

Central Asia, as one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, is aware of its responsibility and is ready to work with Europe on long-term solutions.

The promotion of the “green” agenda in Central Asia is an absolute priority for us.

During the Samarkand Summit, we intend to present a draft Regional Concept of “Green” Development. It is designed to lay a solid foundation for effective regional partnership in the field of rational use of natural resources and the introduction of “green” technologies.

We propose the development of the EU-Central Asia Green Partnership, within the framework of which we can combine efforts in financing projects on renewable energy sources, ecosystem restoration and digital climate monitoring.

We consider it important to consolidate efforts in the area of ​​water conservation.

Here we see great opportunities for partnership with the European Union – from modernising irrigation infrastructure to joint glacier monitoring and introducing advanced water-saving technologies.

We look forward to expanding cooperation with the EU, including using European experience in public-private partnerships.

Restoring ecosystems and biodiversity is an important priority.

We have already initiated the Green Belt of Central Asia project, a large-scale program for greening degraded areas, including the Aral Sea region.

In this area, there is great potential for partnership with the EU.

We also give priority attention to improving education and conducting scientific research in the environmental sphere. Last year, we opened the first “Green” University in the region, it can serve as an effective platform for joint research and innovation.

— What are your expectations from the upcoming summit? What results would you like to see as a result of the summit?

— The upcoming summit will be truly historic, as it will bring together for the first time in one place the leaders of five Central Asian countries and the EU.

We expect the upcoming summit to be an important milestone in the development of relations between Central Asia and the European Union. In recent years, our interaction has reached a qualitatively new level.

We expect to deepen the political dialogue and develop new mechanisms of interaction that will make our cooperation more systemic and focused on long-term goals. An important item on the agenda will be the discussion of interregional cooperation, especially in such areas as economics, trade, energy and transport.

One of the key results of the summit should be the signing of the Samarkand Declaration, which will reflect the common desire of the parties to establish a strategic partnership. This declaration will not only consolidate the agreements reached, but also lay the foundation for deepening ties between our regions.

We hope to reach specific agreements on expanding investment cooperation, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and supporting innovation and digital solutions.

Of course, many questions will receive their answers following the summit. However, it can already be said that this meeting will be a step towards creating a sustainable, mutually beneficial partnership between the European Union and Central Asia, based on common interests, trust and the desire for joint development.

If you could convey one key message to European leaders and citizens, what would it be?

— Taking this opportunity today, I would like to address our European partners.

Central Asia is open to dialogue and expanded interaction. We advocate constructive cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and trust in the interests of sustainable development and improving the well-being of our peoples.

We highly appreciate the European Union’s support for our aspirations for the region’s openness, prosperity and strengthening of its subjectivity. It is especially important that the EU shares our goal of transforming Central Asia into a cohesive and dynamically developing region, ready for an open and equal partnership with all stakeholders.

The upcoming summit will be an important milestone in our relations. We are convinced that the results of the meeting in Samarkand will open up new prospects for further cooperation.

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