Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Today, the historic "Central Asia – European Union" summit opened in Samarkand, bringing together the region's leaders and top representatives from the EU for the first time.

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of strengthening strategic partnership.

The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, includes the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdymukhammedov.

The agenda focuses on developing multilateral cooperation between Central Asia and the EU, including:

Increasing investment and trade turnover,

Joint projects in the fields of green energy, digitalization, logistics, and agriculture,

Strengthening collaboration in science, education, and culture.

Special attention will be given to climate issues, with leaders participating in a plenary session of the Samarkand International Climate Forum.

The summit also includes bilateral talks between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the heads of delegations, aimed at deepening specific initiatives.

This dialogue format opens new opportunities for coordination in the face of global challenges.