11th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan
Federica Mogherini i, the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, was today in Astana, Kazakhstan where she chaired the 11th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting. Ministers and Deputy Ministers from the five Central Asian Republics, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also participated in the meeting.
"What happens in this region of the world is extremely important for the European Union", said the High Representative following the Ministerial. "The new EU Strategy on Central Asia is a strong sign of the political investment by all EU Member States and the European institutions in a strategic partnership, a strategic relationship with Central Asia. Only through strengthened cooperation can we solve the challenges we have and take full advantage of the many opportunities our regions have", she added.
The discussions focused on the development of overall relations between the EU and Central Asia, particularly in light of the recent review of the EU Central Asia Strategy, regional and international issues of mutual interest across a range of sectors, and approaches to combatting common threats and challenges. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss the strong support to and engagement in the region, including by the European financial institutions. EU support to programmes in the Central Asian countries will amount to over EUR 1 billion for the period 2014-2020.
Links:
European Union - Central Asia Ministerial Meeting - Joint Press Release
EU-Central Asia Cooperation - Infographic
Fact Sheets:
Topics