António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen to visit Uzbekistan

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Uzbekistan on April 3–4 to attend the first EU – Central Asia summit.

Foto: AFP

The summit, chaired by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will also be attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Samarkand has been chosen as the venue for the event. Originally scheduled for 2024, the summit was postponed to 2025 due to the formation of a new EU government last year.

This summit presents a key opportunity for the EU to reinforce its geopolitical commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Central Asia and expanding regional partnerships. Against the backdrop of shifting global dynamics — marked by Russia’s war in Ukraine and ongoing developments in Afghanistan — EU – Central Asia relations are becoming increasingly strategic.

During the summit, the EU is expected to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including transport and digital connectivity — both within Central Asia and with the EU — strategic raw materials, economic and security partnerships, and the transition to clean and efficient energy sources.

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