In Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emamoli Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Envoy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and President of the European Council Charles Michel held the first regional summit and adopted a Joint Statement.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to work together for peace, security, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development, in full respect of international law. They expressed their unwavering commitment to upholding the UN Charter, especially the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, the non-use or threat of force, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
In the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the states of Central Asia and the EU, interregional cooperation has advanced in many areas and sectors, exemplifying a multilateral partnership for prosperity and sustainability.
The leaders noted the importance of strengthening dialogue on the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and the work of institutions, which are the guiding principles of interregional cooperation in the framework of the EU Strategy for Central Asia of 17 June 2019.
The participants welcomed the institutionalization of relations between Central Asia and the EU within the existing high-level platforms, and also stressed the importance of the active involvement of civil society in the development of interregional cooperation.
The President of the European Council welcomed the efforts of the leaders of the Central Asian countries to strengthen regional cooperation and interconnectedness, outlined in the Joint Statements of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Kazinform said.
inozPRESS.kg,
Oct. 27, 2022