Latest news with #Trans-CaspianTransportCorridor
Euronews
04-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand marks historic regional unity
ADVERTISEMENT This week's Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand has shown historic unity of the countries in the region, the five nations' leaders highlighted on Friday. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the improvement of neighbourly relations in Central Asia, saying the summit between the region and the EU would not have been possible just a short time ago. Mirziyoyev made the comment in the Uzbek city of Samarkand during talks between Central Asian leaders and an EU delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. 'The countries of the region are strengthening trust and good neighbourliness among each other, expanding large-scale collaboration and cooperation,' Mirziyoyev noted. Until recently, relations between some Central Asian countries were 'simply frozen' and some of their borders were closed, the Uzbek president added. 'No one could even imagine that in the near future we would be representing our region together during discussions with European leaders,' he said. Mirziyoyev went on to say that Central Asia was ready for a new future, one in which Europe would play a role as a partner. During the first summit between the EU and the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a strategic partnership between the regions was announced. The agreement includes cooperation in developing transport infrastructure, raw material extraction, clean energy and digital connectivity. 'Kazakhstan remains a reliable supplier of oil and gas to Europe. 13% of all the imports of the EU come form our country. A large part of it goes through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium," said Kazakhstan President Kasym Tokayev. "We appreciate the support of the European Union aimed at securing the stable and longterm functioning of this consortium. We are also developing the alternative routes for the transport of crude oil,' he stated. Days before the summit, Kazakhstan announced the discovery of a vast rare earth deposit. The region's natural resources include lithium and manganese, which are both in demand from the tech industry. The Central Asia five have pledged to cooperate with the European Union on their extraction. Related Diversifying from Russia and China main goal as EU and Central Asia meet Unlike others 'we're reliable', EU tells Central Asia, as it seeks greater access to rare earths The summit discussed a wide range of proposals for cooperation, from joint development funds and investment forums to regional water management strategies, all with the European Union's participation. As part of these plans, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor — which will bypass Russia — will be established with the aim of cutting the overland journey between Europe and Central Asia in half.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU-Central Asia cooperation expands as Commissioner Síkela's visit seals major deals
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela has finished a tightly packed visit to the five Central Asian countries, where he met with high-ranking officials and signed several deals to bolster the Global Gateway strategy. The initiative, which aims to mobilise €300 billion worldwide, focuses on four key sectors in Central Asia: transport, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, and sustainable energy. 'There is a huge untapped potential. This visit to the region should not only underline the importance of the region and the importance of the European and Central Asian connections, this is also about concrete things. And we want to not only increase our presence but to contribute to the economic development of the whole region,' Síkela told Euronews. He emphasised Central Asia's unique position, noting its landlocked nations, the challenges posed by partial sanctions, and proximity to countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, and China — despite which Central Asia shares the EU's commitment to the UN Charter and the rule of law, making it an important partner in an increasingly fragmented world. The commissioner's visit began in Turkmenistan, where discussions focused on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a vital economic route connecting Europe and Central Asia. He also welcomed Turkmenistan's accession to the Global Methane Pledge, alongside the signing of two agreements, including in renewable energy. In Kazakhstan, a €200 million framework loan to fund sustainable projects was signed between the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. The discussions also included critical raw materials and Europe's interest in securing essential resources for its green and digital transition. 'On one side, we need the raw materials for the European green and digital transition. On the other side, we need the countries rich [in raw materials] to have the most modern and environment-friendly ways to extract. So, we are offering technical support, feasibility and innovative technologies from European companies,' Síkela stated. Energy development took centre stage in Tajikistan, where a €20 million agreement was signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to modernise the country's energy system and expand renewable energy sources. At the same time, the EBRD provided €42 million to Kyrgyzstan for the Resilient Water Resources Programme, aimed at improving water management. In Uzbekistan, digital connectivity was a key focus, with two agreements signed to expand rural internet access. The initiative includes a €34.4 million EU grant and a €25.35 million loan to SES, a Europe-based satellite company, to bring broadband internet to remote areas across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Related Taking care of business: How Kyrgyzstan became Moscow's middle man Clean air policies may have 'unfortunate consequences' for methane emissions 'This excellent initiative goes beyond connectivity, it opens doors to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, helping to bring the digital divide and drive global connectivity,' said EIB Vice-President Kyriakos Kakouris after the signing. Another crucial element of Síkela's visit to Uzbekistan was ensuring preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, set for early April. The agenda will include interregional cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, as well as discussions on global security challenges such as Russia's war in Ukraine and shifting US policies.
