Dushanbe hosts the 17th ministerial meeting in the format "European Union - Central Asia"

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 22 November, the Heads of the Foreign Ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discussed topical issues of relations between the European Union and Central Asian countries, common security challenges, prospects expanding cooperation in the spheres of trade, investment, ecology, as well as deepening interregional interconnection.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov noted the importance of taking decisive steps to form an innovative model of cooperation between Central Asia and the EU, identifying new growth points in the long term.

It was stated that there are opportunities to activate intraregional and interregional trade and economic ties by harmonizing tariffs, simplifying customs procedures, creating equal conditions for all business entities, effectively using digital technologies, and implementing transport and communication projects.

The urgent need for the implementation of prompt and coordinated measures to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan, to involve the country in regional economic processes, to establish a constructive dialogue with the Afghan side, which ultimately will contribute to strengthening regional and international security, was emphasized.

The participants were also informed about the measures taken by Uzbekistan to introduce the principles of a green economy, preserve ecology and biodiversity, and use natural resources carefully. The readiness of the Uzbek side was expressed to increase interaction with the EU in this direction, including within the framework of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region.

Based on the results of the meeting, a Joint Communiqué was adopted.