Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton tevreden met democratische hervormingen Georgië en Centraal-Azië (en)
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Georgia, 26 November 2012
Before travelling to Central Asia, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton i met with both Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and President Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi.
The meetings gave an opportunity to discuss the significant EU-Georgia agenda, including the progress towards an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.
Ashton praised the Georgian people for the positive democratic conduct that was displayed during the recent elections. She encouraged the new Government and the President of Georgia to work constructively together and also reaffirmed the EU's support in this. She also stressed that there should be no selective justice and that any investigations in past wrongdoings must be impartial, transparent and in compliance with due process.
Central Asia, 27-30 November 2012
After Tbilisi, Catherine Ashton went to Central Asia to highlight the EU's increasingly important role in the region. Ashton started her visit in Kyrgyzstan, before going to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. During her time in Central Asia, Ashton stressed the EU's support for democratic and economic reforms, the importance of the rule of law, human rights and judicial reform, trade, security and energy. Ashton also met with NGOs and civil society groups to emphasise the vital role that they play and the importance of their voices being heard.
In Bishkek, Catherine Ashton chaired the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting where the EU's Central Asia Strategy was discussed, including how EU expertise can help Central Asia in the areas of water, energy and the environment.
The two sides also agreed to establish a High Level Security Dialogue to look at ways to promote a secure and prosperous region, particularly looking to the future of Afghanistan.
More information
Catherine Ashton travels to Georgia
Remarks by High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton at the end of her visit to Georgia
Catherine Ashton travels to Central Asia
Remarks by High Representative Catherine Ashton at the end of her visit to Uzbekistan