At the first Central Asia-European Union Summit today in Samarkand, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of a strategic partnership between the regions and the launch of the Global Gateway strategy worth 12 billion euros in her remarks:
“Central Asia is a region of proud, sovereign states with an ancient history and great ambitions. Your strategic position opens access to global trade routes and investment flows. These new investments will strengthen your sovereignty, strengthen your economies, and most importantly, create new friendships. They will unite people. We, Europeans, want to be partners in this new chapter of your thousand-year history. That is why today we are laying the foundation for a new strategic partnership between Central Asia and Europe”.
“We are getting closer to each other. This partnership will strengthen the ties between our regions, creating new opportunities for cooperation – in energy, security, digital development and tourism. And this partnership will bring people together on both sides. Reliable partners are more important than ever. Our strategic partnership is a commitment to be there for each other”.
“There are four priority areas of cooperation. The first is the development of transport corridors. The EU has confirmed the allocation of €10 billion for the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, which will reduce the land route between Europe and Central Asia by almost half – to 15 days.”
“In the context of the growing fragmentation of the world, the Trans-Caspian corridor will become a link between Central Asia and Europe. But it is not only the infrastructure that is important. Rapid opening of borders within Central Asia and the South Caucasus is also necessary for access to the Black Sea. After three decades of closure, opening Armenia's borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan will be a turning point. This will bring Europe and Central Asia closer than ever before".
“The second is critical minerals. Central Asia has 40% of the world's manganese reserves, as well as significant lithium and graphite resources.”
"But they are also of interest to global players, many of whom are only interested in mining and export. Europe's offer is different. We want to be your partners in developing local processing industries. The added value must remain local".
“The European companies have invested 1.6 billion euros in a copper mine in the city of Almalyk in Uzbekistan, not only mining but also processing the ore on site - this creates jobs and added value.”
"But we can do much more - build local production along the entire value chain, from extraction to processing, opening laboratories and training personnel. This is a partnership for years to come, in the interests of our peoples and future generations," she emphasized.
“Memorandums of cooperation have already been signed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A Joint Declaration of Intent was also adopted today.”
"Central Asia's strategic autonomy in the raw materials sector is a strategic interest of Europe".
“Third is green energy. This concerns the development of wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy in the region. The EU is participating in the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power station in Tajikistan and the Kambarata hydroelectric power station in Kyrgyzstan, which should turn the region into a clean energy hub.”
“Fourth is digital communications and satellite internet. The EU announced the launch of a satellite program to connect remote areas.”
“This year alone, 2,000 schools and hundreds of villages in Kazakhstan will be connected, and in the coming years, 1,700 settlements across the region.”
“Central Asia may be landlocked, but it is certainly not landlocked. Space can be your new gateway to the world”.
“The investment package worth €12 billion of the Global Gateway has been launched. The amount will be distributed between four areas: transport (€3 billion), critical minerals (€2.5 billion), hydropower and climate (€6.4 billion), and satellite internet (€100 million).”
“The package will combine investments from the EU and member states. “We call this the Team Europe approach. This package will open up a new pool of projects for Central Asia. This is a truly new beginning in the ancient history of our friendship”.
“A strategic partnership between the European Union and Central Asia has been launched”.
"It shows that the EU can be relied upon. Together we can develop closer relations that will benefit both regions, strengthening them through new connections, friendships and trade networks".
