The First European Union-Central Asia Summit, which was held in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on April 4, resulted in adoption of a Joint Declaration.    

Reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, the parties decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership.  They reportedly acknowledged the significant results achieved in recent years to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between our regions.

The European Union (EU) reconfirmed its commitment to the goals of the EU Strategy on Central Asia of 2019.  The Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia adopted on October 23, 2023 in Luxembourg has been useful in operationalizing the Strategy.   

The parties are committed to cooperate for peace, security and democracy, to fully respect international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, within their internationally recognized borders.  

In the same context, they committed to respect the above principles, in particular the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states within the framework of all international and regional fora, and to refrain from taking any steps that run contrary to those principles.  

The emphasized their strong commitment to see Afghanistan develop into a secure, stable and prosperous State with inclusive government and governance systems that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, including women, girls, persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities, is at peace with itself and its neighbors, and that respects its international obligations.

They reportedly note that cooperation on preventing sanctions circumvention remains an important aspect of their relations.  In this context, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on this issue, especially to avoid re-exports of common high priority items, in line with the work of the EU Special Envoy on Sanctions.

The parties say strengthening trade and investment ties between Central Asia and the European Union is essential for economic growth, as well as developing and diversifying regional and interregional trade.  To advance this agenda, they committed to regularly organize economic events, including the Central Asia–European Union Economic Forum fostering strategic dialogue and sustainable economic partnerships. T

The parties also note that among many areas of shared interest, enhanced cooperation on critical raw materials is of strategic importance, aimed at ensuring secure, sustainable and diversified supply chains.   

The EU and Central Asian leaders agreed that the EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum is a key platform for dialogue, advancing the objectives of the EU Strategy on Central Asia in strengthening the resilience and prosperity of societies, as well as regional cooperation through civil society engagement.