First Central Asia - European Union think tank forum takes place in Uzbekistan
Photo: UzA
**AKIPRESS.COM** - The International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent hosted the Central Asia – European Union Think Tank Forum, titled "The Tashkent Platform: Building Bridges between Central Asia and Europe". The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, business representatives, and academic community members, UzA reported.
The forum precedes the EU – Central Asia Summit, scheduled for April 3-4 in Samarkand.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Abdulaziz Kamilov, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Foreign Policy. He emphasized that Central Asia is transforming and emerging as an active participant in global processes. This, he noted, underscores the importance of a strategic partnership with the EU, built on shared values and common interests in sustainable development.
Director of the International Institute for Central Asia Javlon Vakhabov emphasized that the forum is taking place at a crucial moment in developing relations between the European Union and Central Asia. He noted that the dialogue has gained new momentum in recent years through expert meetings, international conferences, and the expansion of contacts with leading European research centers. The IICA Director called on forum participants for open and productive discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations for the upcoming summit.
EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais stated that cooperation between the EU and Central Asia is developing dynamically in water resources, security, and strategically critical raw materials. He emphasized that the increasing number of high-level meetings reflects the strategic significance of bilateral relations and the strengthening of regional dialogue. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of discussing key areas of cooperation based on the EU Strategy for Central Asia (2019) and the Joint Roadmap (2023).
As part of the forum, a Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership was signed with the European Neighbourhood Council (Brussels, Belgium), represented by its Managing Director, Samuel Vesterbye.