TASHKENT, August 25. /Dunyo IA/. CEO of Editorial Director of Euronews Claus Strunz said Central Asia is becoming increasingly important to Europe and called for stronger ties between the two regions, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

He made the remarks in an interview with the 24.kg news agency on the sidelines of the International Media Forum “Islamic Civilization: New Perspective, New Discoveries,” being held in Tashkent and Samarkand.

According to him, Central Asia was largely absent from the Western media agenda in the 1980s. Coverage of the region focused mainly on security issues and individual emergencies.

“Today the situation is completely different. We see how the history of the region is becoming part of the contemporary global agenda,” he said.

Speaking about changing perceptions of Uzbekistan, the Euronews chief recalled the first reports about the country aimed at Western audiences. At the time, bazaars, spices, bright colours, gemstones, textiles and exotic fruits attracted particular attention.

Today, he said, it is especially interesting to observe how Uzbekistan is changing and what role it is taking in the modern world.

Claus Strunz also highlighted Uzbekistan’s geographic position between Russia, China, India and Europe. He said this makes Central Asia an important space for trade, new markets and security cooperation.

“It is time for Europe to pay closer attention to Uzbekistan and Central Asia,” he said.

According to the head of Euronews, modern ties between countries should go beyond transport infrastructure. They can connect states at the cultural, economic, political and humanitarian levels.

Claus Strunz also addressed the concept of a new Silk Road, stressing that it should not be limited to roads and logistics.

The modern Silk Road, he said, should facilitate the exchange of knowledge and scientific ideas, technologies and innovations, languages and cultures, educational practices and digital solutions.

“We should view the modern Silk Road as a system of connections between people, countries and civilizations,” the Euronews representative said.

According to Claus Strunz, Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara could become centers of a new international partnership combining historical heritage, modern technologies and innovation.