The first Central Asia-European Union Summit is taking place today in Samarkand. The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the event with his remarks.

“The meeting is taking place in the context of unpredictable global processes. We are witnessing increasing geopolitical tensions, security issues, major regional conflicts, social and economic challenges to sustainable development. It is obvious that no region can cope with such complex issues on its own without broad international cooperation”.

“The Central Asia shares the commitment of the European Union to the principles and norms of international law.

“We welcome and fully support the start of the negotiation process for a peaceful settlement of the situation around Ukraine. It is obvious that very complex issues need to be resolved.”

“But we do not see any other alternative to the diplomatic efforts and political decisions to resolve the crisis”.

“Trust and good neighborliness are strengthening between the countries of the region, full-scale cooperation and collaboration are expanding. Even 7-8 years ago, there were no prerequisites for this, the borders between some countries were closed, there was no trade, no transit, no business, no humanitarian exchanges, relations were simply frozen. No one could have imagined then that in the very near future we would represent the region together in negotiations with European leaders”.

“It is the openness of Central Asia and its readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners that became the condition for ensuring the security and prosperity of the region.”

“In September of this year, we will hold the seventh Central Asian Summit in Tashkent, where we will openly and constructively resolve all the urgent tasks of the joint agenda.”

“A historic event that took place the other day — the full settlement and signing of an agreement on the demarcation of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.”

“We are implementing large investment and infrastructure projects in the region together. At the same time, joint investment funds and companies have been set up to support such projects. The trade within the region is thriving. Border trade zones are being created to stimulate these projects. All this contributes to the sustainable economic development of our countries and the region as a whole”.

“EBRD experts predict regional GDP growth of up to 6% this year, which is significantly higher than the average in other regions.”

“Steps are being taken to shape a common regional identity, as well as support for cultural, humanitarian and educational exchange.”

“We are opening branches of leading national educational institutions in our countries, promoting the project of a single Central Asian visa for foreign tourists”.

“In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the region's interaction with the European Union. Over seven years, trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the European Union has increased several times, amounting to 54 billion euros. Cooperation platforms have been launched, ministerial meetings, forums and conferences are held regularly.”

"At the same time, we believe that the current meeting should become the starting point for a new stage in the development of multifaceted relations".

“The Summit will culminate in making a historic decision made to establish a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union.”

"We believe it is necessary to jointly develop measures to implement the document being adopted. I am convinced that our strategic partnership should be filled with specific decisions, projects and programs. In this regard, we propose considering the issue of signing a full-fledged agreement on partnership and cooperation between our two regions".

"We fully support the proposal to hold the summit every two years. In order to work systemically to ensure the timely implementation of the agreement, we are ready to assume the functions of the secretariat of the summit until the next meeting".

“In early June, in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Uzbekistan will hold the Tashkent Investment Forum. This event will present project portfolios with European companies and banks worth over 30 billion euros.”

“I propose to hold a separate session on investment opportunities for the two regions during the forum and draft a concept of a regional industrial park for European companies in Uzbekistan at the forum.”

“We count on the support of our European partners for another initiative to launch an investment platform to promote large regional projects in the fields of green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure and the agricultural sector”.

“I propose to develop a joint program of scientific and technological exchange in the field of artificial intelligence, big data, digitalization and space research.

“This year Bukhara will host the first tourism forum of Central Asia and the European Union.”

“We count on the assistance of European partners in implementing the concept of “One tour - Whole Region” based on the introduction of the experience of the EU countries, as well as considering the issue of simplifying the visa regime for tourists from our region”.