Samarkand Hosts Central Asia–EU Parliamentary Forum to Boost Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The first interparliamentary forum “Central Asia – European Union” is taking place in Samarkand, featuring a series of bilateral meetings with parliamentary delegations from the region.

During the sessions, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Sodik Safoev, held discussions with key parliamentary representatives: Aigul Kuspan, Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, and Security of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis; Mavsum Muini, Deputy Chair of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of Tajikistan’s Oliy Majlis; Maksat Kuliev, Chair of Turkmenistan’s Mejlis Committee on International and Interparliamentary Relations; and Saltanat Amanova, Deputy Chair of the relevant committee of Kyrgyzstan’s Jogorku Kenesh.

The delegation leaders praised the initiative launched at the Samarkand summit to establish the Central Asia–EU interparliamentary forum, emphasizing its timeliness and significance. They noted that the initiative highlights Uzbekistan’s unifying role in fostering interregional cooperation.

Discussions focused on the need for parliamentary support and the practical implementation of agreements reached at the level of heads of state. Proposals were made to institutionalize the forum further, hold sessions on a rotational basis, and expand participant involvement.

The meetings also highlighted the European Union’s growing interest in Central Asian countries and stressed the importance of a coordinated regional approach to maximize potential. Participants underscored that in recent years, friendship, good-neighborly relations, and strategic partnerships among regional states have reached a qualitatively new level.

Additionally, the forum supported initiatives to strengthen interparliamentary collaboration, including a joint event within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly focused on improving transport connectivity and promoting environmental sustainability across the region.