DUSHANBE, March 11, 2015, Asia-Plus -- The European Union (EU) must expand cooperation with Central Asia’s nations on providing security in the region, the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Ms. Helga Schmid, noted at a round of the High Level Security Dialogue between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan) in Dushanbe on March 11.

The Dushanbe round of the High Level Security Dialogue is discussing new Central Asian security challenges.

Ms. Schmid, in particular, noted that the European Union is currently reviewing its approach to the issues of security in Central Asia noting that a special representative of the European Union on security issues in the Central Asian region is expected to be appointed.

According to her, the European Union also plans to expand bilateral cooperation with the countries of region on this issue.

Some factors such as terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking have aggravated the security situation in the region, the European External Action Service deputy secretary-general said, adding that many people are joining various extremist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“The European Union and Central Asia are in the same boat, and therefore, we must seek joint efforts in addressing these challenges,” Ms. Schmid said.

The High Level Security Dialogue reflects a shared interest that the EU and Central Asian countries have in strengthening dialogue and cooperation on security issues. It continues the tradition of earlier security-focused exchanges such as the EU-Central Asia Security Forum held in 2008 and in 2009 and the annual EU – Central Asia Ministerial Meetings. It also builds on the intensified levels of cooperation developed through the EU – Central Asia Strategy for a New Partnership adopted by the European Council in 2007 and the substantial EU cooperation programs in the region.