BRUSSELS, April 7. /Dunyo IA/. The Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with Central Asia, Giusi Princi in an interview with Dunyo IA, commented on the significance of the first official summit in the "Central Asia – European Union" format, which took place on April 3-4 in Samarkand, chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

– Dear Mrs. Princi, could you kindly share with us your assessment of the significance of the "Central Asia – European Union" summit in Samarkand?

– The Summit in Samarkand represents a historic event that marks a new chapter in the EU’s engagement with Central Asia.

This meeting is not merely a diplomatic milestone; it also sends a clear signal of our commitment to deepening and strengthening a strategic partnership with the region.

With the participation of high-ranking EU representatives, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, as well as the heads of state from the five Central Asian countries, this summit is expected to serve as a catalyst for discussions on political dialogue, energy cooperation, and trade expansion. It underscores the EU's readiness to work hand in hand with its Central Asian partners to address emerging geopolitical challenges and opportunities.

– Which areas do you consider to be the most promising and priority sectors for our strategic partnership?

– There are several key areas in which our cooperation can significantly prosper.

Firstly, strengthening collaboration in the energy sector is fundamental. Given the strategic importance of energy diversification for both the EU and Central Asia, we see the Global Gateway project as a significant opportunity to reduce dependencies and promote sustainable energy practices.

Secondly, commercial and economic cooperation plays a critical role: modernizing our trade relations can foster growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity. The Trans-Caspian Corridor should be co-financed by the EU and implemented with the ownership of the Eurasian countries in this regard.

Furthermore, promoting regional security and stability remains an indispensable priority. Our shared concerns regarding geopolitical changes require a partnership that goes beyond economic and energy issues to also reinforce security frameworks and diplomatic dialogue.

Finally, underpinning all these areas, the respect for democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law must remain a fundamental and non-negotiable principle, forming the cornerstone of a reliable and transparent relationship between the EU and the nations of Central Asia.

– What role does the European Parliament, in particular the Delegation for Cooperation with Central Asia (DCAS) under your presidency, play in strengthening cooperation between the EU and Central Asia?

– The European Parliament, through the work of our Delegation for Cooperation with Central Asia (DCAS), which I have the honor and duty to preside over, plays an essential role in building these bridges of opportunity, growth, and democracy.

Since its establishment in October 2024, our delegation has been actively engaged in dialogue with our counterparts in Central Asia. We have organized numerous interparliamentary meetings in Brussels, Turkmenbashi, Ashgabat, and Kazakhstan (and we are now scheduled to visit Uzbekistan), each aimed at promoting dialogue and the exchange of best practices in the areas of human rights, governance, and legislative reforms.

Our approach is based on continuous and constructive engagement: we emphasize regular and transparent dialogue so that issues such as judicial independence, political pluralism, and media freedom are addressed in a clear and direct manner. This commitment not only strengthens institutional ties between our parliaments but also consolidates the fundamental values that the EU represents. By maintaining open and sincere dialogue, we are contributing to a shared path towards stronger democratic structures and sustainable competitive economic models, which is crucial in these times of geopolitical transformation.

The European Union and Central Asia have never been as close as they are today!