Photo: Uzbekistan Presidency/Anadolu/AFP
Akmal Saidov
11/04/2025 22:02
On April 4 of this year, the historic first Central Asia–European Union Summit was held in the city of Samarkand under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The high-level event brought together President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Leaders of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank were also in attendance.
The Summit focused on strengthening multifaceted relations and practical cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union. Participants also exchanged views on current international and regional political developments. President of Uzbekistan introduced a number of new initiatives aimed at further reinforcing strategic collaboration between Central Asia and the European Union.
From New Uzbekistan to a New Central Asia
As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized in an interview with Euronews in the threshold of the Summit, the Central Asia-European Union format is a unique platform for cooperation that has no analogues either in terms of scale or institutional coverage. It brings together the European Union, which comprises 27 countries, including the three members of the G7 - Germany, France and Italy, and is the largest integration structure that has established a systemic interregional partnership with Central Asia.
Cooperation with the European Union covers a wide range of areas, from economy and investment to sustainable development, security and digital transformation. Most notably, this format is built on long-term strategic priorities.
In this context, it is worth briefly highlighting Euronews - the media outlet where the President shared his insights. Founded in January 1993, Euronews is a renowned European television network broadcasting news around the clock. Today, Euronews delivers real-time updates, video reports, and audio commentary in 13 languages, covering major global events. Its broadcast reach extends to over 150 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America, as well as the Middle East.
Returning to the topic of the First Central Asia–European Union Summit, it is no coincidence that the meeting held in Samarkand is called a turning point in the development of cooperation between the two regions. In our view, this high praise can be attributed to two key factors.
First, relations between Central Asia and the European Union are deeply rooted in history. Centuries-old diplomatic correspondence between Amir Temur the Conqueror (Sahibqiron) and European monarchs stands as evidence of these longstanding ties. Even in those distant times, our ancestors aspired to build expansive and lasting cooperation between our regions.
In this light, the Inaugural Summit can be seen as a symbolic embodiment of the historical aspirations of our peoples and states. The choice of Samarkand, a enchanting city that was once the heart of Amir Temur's empire, as the host city gives the event a deep symbolic meaning.
Samarkand, often referred to as the “Jewel of the Earth,” the “pearl of the Muslim world,” and the “paradise of the East,” has long held a special place in the cultural and historical consciousness of the region. It is no coincidence that a former U.S. Secretary of State once called Samarkand “the capital of the world”.
As President of Uzbekistan eloquently stated, “When viewed from Samarkand, the world does not appear fragmented it seems whole and indivisible. This is the essence of the unique phenomenon known as the ‘Spirit of Samarkand,’ which now serves as the foundation for a fundamentally new format of international cooperation.”
Second, relations between Central Asia and the European Union are shifting from bilateral engagement to a broader, regional strategic partnership. Until recently, cooperation was largely pursued through bilateral channels. Now, however, a genuine interregional bridge has been built between Central Asia and the European Union.
This historic event vividly demonstrates that Central Asia has confidently embarked on asserting itself as an independent subject of international relations. Indeed, the region’s re-emergence in the international arena as an independent actor in the third decade of the 21st century is a globally significant development that both reflects and embodies a number of important processes.
Even more significantly, this high-level Summit reinforced the validity of President of Uzbekistan’s assessment of the region’s current role and future trajectory. Central Asia is no longer on the periphery of history, it is becoming a rapidly developing region, shaping its own strategic agenda. Political will, mutual trust at the highest levels, and joint economic initiatives have created new opportunities for sustainable growth.
These developments have also been acknowledged by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who noted that while fragmentation once prevailed in Central Asia, a new atmosphere of trust, cooperation, and solidarity has taken root. This new spirit is grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and the collective resolution of shared challenges.
As acknowledged by the UN Secretary-General, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev can rightly be regarded as an initiator and a bridge-builder in the region, as well as a messenger of peace. He is actively working to establish and promote prosperity based on justice. These efforts are fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
On the eve of the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held direct and substantive talks with high-ranking guests of this prestigious forum. In particular, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen highly praised Uzbekistan's economic reform agenda aimed at building a New Uzbekistan, and expressed strong support for the country’s policy of strengthening good neighborly relations, trust, and regional partnership in Central Asia.
Central Asia – European Union: From Bilateral Engagement to Regional Cooperation
Situated at the heart of the region, Uzbekistan shares borders with all Central Asian countries. The majority of present-day Uzbekistan’s territory once fell under the rule of Amir Temur. The historical boundaries of medieval Mawarannahr closely align with those of modern Central Asia.
At the height of its power, the empire of Sahibqiron Amir Temur extended from the Mediterranean and Black Seas to Kashgar, and from the Caucasus and Volga steppes to northern India. The period between the decline of the Timurid Empire and the resurgence of independent statehood in Central Asia lasted nearly 400 years.
Simply put, the great Amir Temur managed to build a unified geopolitical space encompassing Asia and Europe. His successors inherited a rich legacy of political and strategic governance - order, discipline and the rule of law. These principles made it possible to preserve internal stability and promote state interests in a broad and strategically important region.
Today, in a renewed geopolitical environment, Central Asia is regaining the key role it played in the Silk Road era - as a bridge connecting East and West, North and South, and as a crossroads of diverse economic interests. In this context, it is fair to say that President of Uzbekistan is bringing to life the grand vision once dreamed by Amir Temur.
Since gaining independence in the final decade of the 20th century, Uzbekistan has pursued a consistent domestic and foreign policy agenda grounded in an understanding of the region’s deep historical roots. This awareness forms an essential part of the nation’s ongoing democratic reforms, modernization, and development strategy serving as both a guiding principle and an intellectual foundation. The wisdom in the Uzbek proverb, “If brothers are united, no task is too great,” has been fully validated by recent developments in the region. The "restart" of regional processes has proven beneficial for all.
Nowhere in the world in recent years have reforms of such breadth and depth been implemented as they have in New Uzbekistan under the leadership of President of Uzbekistan. His policy of good-neighborliness and indeed, his prudent doctrine of regional engagement has led Central Asian states to engage in open, sincere discussions on the region’s most pressing issues for the first time in modern history. Most notably, intergovernmental dialogue has been restored across the region.
Shared approaches to complex issues such as water management and border demarcation have paved the way for constructive solutions. As American expert Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili noted, “It is time to see Central Asia as it is. This is no longer a post-Soviet space - it is Eurasia.” The growing use of the term “Spirit of Central Asia” in international discourse is a powerful confirmation of this new reality.
The region is now undergoing a gradual and constructive process of building cooperative and mutually supportive relations based on good-neighborliness. As a result, Central Asia has undergone profound changes in recent years, becoming a space of mutual trust and broad cooperation, which is now widely recognized.
In President of Uzbekistan’s own words: “Trust and good-neighborly relations among regional countries are strengthening, and broad cooperation and partnerships are expanding. Just seven or eight years ago, none of this seemed possible. Some borders were closed. There was no trade, no transit, no business, no humanitarian exchanges. Relations were simply frozen. At that time, no one could have imagined that in the near future, we would be sitting with European leaders, jointly representing our region in dialogue.”
It is also worth noting that Central Asian countries have been actively cooperating with various states and two regional organizations within the “Central Asia +” formats. As a result, over the past seven years, trade turnover between Central Asian nations and the European Union has quadrupled, reaching 54 billion euros.
In turn, the establishment of a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union at the Samarkand Summit is opening new avenues for interregional cooperation and connectivity.
What we are witnessing today is the real realization of the principle “From New Uzbekistan to New Central Asia”. In other words, the logical outcome of three decades of bilateral relations between Central Asia and the European Union is developing into an official interregional strategic partnership. This new status marks the emergence of a completely novel diplomatic format in global politics.
Central Asia – European Union: Prospects for Interregional Strategic Partnership
Central Asia remains a top priority in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. In this context, President of Uzbekistan, in his interview with Euronews, emphasized three main priorities during Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Central Asian Five format:
• Strengthening regional security;
• Deepening economic integration;
• Ensuring environmental sustainability.
As the President noted, “We now have a historic opportunity to make our region not only stable, but also prosperous. I can say with full confidence that together we have the potential to realize this goal.”
In his address at the inaugural Central Asia – European Union Summit, President of Uzbekistan expanded on this vision by outlining the following mid- and long-term priority areas for cooperation:
First, intensifying political dialogue and investing in efforts to create a sound legal and institutional framework for multilateral cooperation.
Second, prioritizing investment in economic development and technological modernization as a key area of bilateral and interregional cooperation.
Third, the Summit decided to deepen cooperation and investment in strategic mineral resources.
Fourth, investments in green energy and environmental sustainability are of strategic importance.
Fifth, investments in human capital will allow for greater exchange and cooperation in education, culture, and the humanitarian sphere.
In addition to the formal Summit proceedings, following the high-level meeting, the leaders jointly visited the Aral Cultural Summit exhibition. The exposition showcased unique initiatives focused on restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem, preserving the region’s cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development.
It is especially worth noting that on the same day, the high-ranking Summit guests also took part in the plenary session of the Samarkand Climate Forum, dedicated to addressing contemporary environmental challenges facing Central Asia. The active participation of EU and Central Asian leaders, UN representatives, international financial institutions, and both global and national environmental organizations served as a powerful demonstration of their shared commitment to finding effective solutions to pressing sustainable development issues.
In his speech at the Samarkand International Climate Forum, President of Uzbekistan placed particular emphasis on the importance of collective action. He concluded his remarks with the following words: “Today, our task is to do our best for our future generations could live on sustainable, safe and prosperous world. To this end we need to strengthen dialogue, combine the efforts of all countries united by a common noble goal.”
In conclusion, the key outcome of the first Central Asia – European Union Summit was, without doubt, the adoption of a Joint Declaration establishing the foundations for a strategic partnership between the two regions.
The Joint Declaration sets out a commitment to promote interregional cooperation in several key areas, including peace, security and democracy, development and prosperity, environmental sustainability, green economic growth, combating climate change, and ensuring food and energy security. It also highlights the achievements of each Central Asian country in specific areas of cooperation and describes plans for the future.
Leaders of the European Union and Central Asia underscored that the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are shared core values. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to freedom of association, creating an enabling environment for civil society and independent media, protecting human rights defenders, and respecting the rights of women, children, and labor migrants - all of which constitute the foundational principles of relations between the two regions.
The Joint Declaration also endorsed the initiative to hold a “EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum”. Gratitude was extended to the Government of Uzbekistan for the successful organization of the first Central Asia – European Union summit in the city of Samarkand.
Another key outcome was expressed by the President of Uzbekistan, who confidently noted: “I am confident that the heads of leading European institutions and financial organizations have learnt for themselves that the countries of Central Asia have shared positions and are committed to large scale cooperation as a reliable and responsible partner.”
The author is the Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and a Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.
