The International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) recently held a meeting with Terhi Hakala, the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia. During the meeting, Hakala expressed support for the statement made by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the second meeting of Central Asian and EU leaders in Cholpon-Ata in October 2023. The statement emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing new challenges and security threats.
Hakala also mentioned that the proposal for a special conference, put forth by President Mirziyoyev, received widespread support. In the same month, the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and EU member states met in Luxembourg and adopted a roadmap for strengthening ties between the two parties. This roadmap includes plans for expert dialogue and a conference on security issues, in line with President Mirziyoyev’s timely initiative.
Hakala further highlighted that this initiative will allow for proposals to be made for the upcoming first official “Central Asia-EU” summit in Uzbekistan. It will also contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of joint efforts in countering new threats and challenges.