The European Union (EU) has launched the new project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) at a roundtable dedicated to the EU–Central Asia Connectivity Conference “Global Gateway”. National energy authorities and experts from the Central Asian countries (CA) and representatives of the EU attended this event. The SECCA project, with a total budget of EUR … [Read more...]
The EU’s Youth Action Plan inspired a meeting of the Central Asian Youth during the Samarkand Connectivity Conference
The youth dialogue created the platform to amplify the voices of young people from five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to discuss on the key conference themes. In an unprecedented feat, The European Union, together with its partners UNICEF and European Training Foundation (ETF) has hosted a youth dialogue for … [Read more...]
We are well underway to build a stronger, broader, more modern partnership with the five countries of Central Asia
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission For centuries, connections between Europe and Central Asia have played a profoundly important role in shaping our societies. This was true long before trade flourished in the ancient world along the Silk Road, linking the civilisations of Europe and … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the First EU-Central Asia Summit
On Thursday, 27 October, Astana hosted the first EU-Central Asia summit. The President of the European Council Charles Michel and the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in its work. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, in charge of economic and financial issues Hojamurat … [Read more...]
European Union and Central Asia will discuss the possibilities of digital, transport and energy connectivity in Samarkand
On 18 November 2022, Samarkand will host EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway. As part of global efforts to “build back better” following the COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of the new geopolitical context, the EU and the countries of Central Asia are working together to support Central Asian countries’ drive to … [Read more...]
Heads of emergency services of Central Asian countries met in Tajikistan
A three-day Regional Forum of Heads of Emergency Authorities of Central Asian countries has wrapped up in Dushanbe on 6 October 2022. The annual meeting brought together heads of emergency agencies and officials from all five Central Asian countries, as well as representatives of international development organizations – the World Bank, the EU, the United Nations Security … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-European Union Joint Committee to meet by the end of year
On Thursday, 29 Sep, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov had a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan Diego Ruiz Alonso, during which the current state and prospects for the development of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU were considered. The sides stressed that one of the main factors in the expansion of … [Read more...]
Disaster Risks in Central Asia assessed by EU-Funded Program
New Earthquake and Flood Risk Assessment for Central Asia was commissioned as part of the EU-funded Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia (SFRARR) Program’s support to build disaster and climate resilience in the region. Results of the assessment were presented to a group of technical experts and government officials. The report … [Read more...]
European Union holds an online campaign in support of the newly adopted law on pets
The European Union announces 10 days of "Love and Kindness". From August 1 to August 10, everyone can upload a photo or video to a story or post showing care of pets or animals without an owner in Instagram account. It is necessary to mark account of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan @eu4turkmenistan. All publications will be reposted in EU Delegation’s account. EU … [Read more...]
European Union launched new youth-focused project for Central Asia
In June 2022, DARYA, the first EU-funded regional project has been launched to focus entirely on measures that support inclusive and labour market relevant skills development opportunities for young people in Central Asia, says the EU Delegation in Kazakhstan. DARYA will be active over the next five years in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and … [Read more...]
European Union and Central Asia will hold the first regional conference on connectivity in November 2022
On 17-18 November 2022, the first EU-Central Asia Conference on Sustainable Connectivity and a Ministerial Meeting will be held in Samarkand. Preparations for the forum were discussed in Tashkent by the EU delegation headed by Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Partnership, Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia of the European External Action Service. According … [Read more...]
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU is reaching a new level
On July 6 this year, the initialing ceremony of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union took place in Brussels. The event was attended Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov – from the Uzbek side and Head of the Cabinet of the EU High … [Read more...]
EU Delegation to Turkmenistan announces short movies contest
The European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan together with the partners announce a call for submission of the short movies. The theme of the movie must be in line with the EU values, i.e. promotion of the green behaviour, social inclusion and justice. The movies must be no longer than 15 minutes. The submissions are accepted until 30 January 2023. The EU Delegation will … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of Special Representatives of the EU and Central Asia on Afghanistan
On 30-31 May 2022, Almaty hosted a meeting of Special Representatives of the European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan. The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by deputy foreign minister Vepa Hajiev. During the event, the parties reviewed the current and new challenges to regional security in the context of the situation in Afghanistan. The conference … [Read more...]
Address by the President of the Russian Federation
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, friends, My address concerns the events in Ukraine and why this is so important for us, for Russia. Of course, my message is also addressed to our compatriots in Ukraine. The matter is very serious and needs to be discussed in depth. The situation in Donbass has reached a critical, acute stage. I am speaking … [Read more...]
EU and UNDP launch regional platform on Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia
Almaty, 22 November 2021 - Today, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan (UNDP Kazakhstan) announced the launch of the new knowledge-sharing platform on sustainable development goals (SDGs) for Central Asian countries. The main objective of the SDGs Platform is to work with governments and civil society in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
First Economic Forum “Central Asia – European Union”
Elvira Kadyrova On 5 November 2021, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan hosted the First International Economic Forum "Central Asia - European Union". The event gathered Prime Ministers and Deputy Heads of Government of Central Asian countries, as well as ministers and senior officials from over 15 EU member-states, representatives of the private sector of the EU and Central Asia, … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan visits Tashkent
Elvira Kadyrova DPM, minister of foreign affairs Rashid Meredov is on a visit to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent to participate in the International Conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities", which takes place on 15-16 July 2021. On the sidelines of the forum, the foreign minister held several bilateral and multilateral … [Read more...]
Great Britain and Germany allied on key foreign policy priorities, including on Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova On 30 June 2021, the foreign ministers of the Great Britain and Germany signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation on foreign and security policy cooperation. The document, which became the first bilateral agreement of this kind between the UK and Germany, came on the eve of Chancellor Merkel's visit to the Kingdom. The introduction and first part of the … [Read more...]
The Law, the Rights and the Rules
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs The frank and generally constructive conversation that took place at the June 16, 2021 summit meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Joseph Biden in Geneva resulted in an agreement to launch a substantive dialogue on strategic stability, reaffirming the crucial premise that nuclear war is unacceptable. The two sides … [Read more...]
A Global Model to Tackle Violence against Women
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations As the world grapples unevenly with the effects of COVID-19, a parallel and equally horrific pandemic has threatened half the world’s population. In the early months of the pandemic, the United Nations projected that quarantines and lockdowns could lead to a shocking 15 million additional cases of gender-based … [Read more...]
Opening minds – opening borders. EUDEL conducts kids’ festival
17th of June became a special opening of the summer camp season for 250 kids of “Shohle” summer camp in Geok Dere area near Ashgabat. The European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan together with the Nature protection society of Turkmenistan organized a sport and art festival to introduce the new comers of the summer camp to the concept of environment protection, climate … [Read more...]
Finnish Senior Diplomat appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova The Council of the European Union has appointed Ambassador Terhi Hakala from Finland to serve as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. She will assume her post on 1 July 2021. Ms. Hakala is a career diplomat with rich experience in the EU's Eastern neighborhood and Central Asia. She served in various diplomatic missions, including at … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries to create a single higher education area
Elvira Kadyrova Central Asian countries will create a single area in the field of higher education. The Kazakhstan initiated idea was welcomed at the forum of ministers of education of the Central Asian countries, the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan reports. The event, held in a hybrid format by Kazakhstan on 18 June 2021, gathered the ministers of education … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan took part in 16th ministerial meeting in the format “Central Asia – European Union”
On November 17, 2020, the 16th Ministerial Meeting in the "Central Asia - European Union" format was held with the participation of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borell. The meeting was also attended by the European Commissioner for International Cooperation Jutta … [Read more...]
Briefing on cooperation of Turkmenistan with international organizations in the area of healthcare was held in the MFA
On the 5th of October 2020, a briefing was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan dedicated to cooperation of Turkmenistan with the international organizations in the area of healthcare. The briefing focused on the recently signed Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, in accordance with which the Minister of Health and Medical Industry was authorized … [Read more...]
EU-funded Programme on Border Management in Central Asia holds Final Conference of 9th Phase
Ashgabat, 15 September 2020 The 9th phase of the EU-funded Programme on Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA) held its closing event to summarise the achievements from over the five years of its implementation. The Regional Steering Group meeting and the Final Conference, held online, gathered over 100 high-level representatives of the BOMCA implementing Consortium, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan – German ambassador hosts farewell reception for French ambassador
Ambassador Neithart Höfer-Wissing of Germany hosted a reception at his residence on 10 September 2020 to bid farewell to Ambassador Francois Delahousse of France. As the life returns cautiously to normalcy amidst precautions against viral diseases, only a limited number of guests were invited to the reception to ensure safety guidelines. Francois spent four years, one … [Read more...]
The EU approach to green recovery after Covid-19 – focus on Turkmenistan
Diego RUIZ ALONSO, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan As the world grapples with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and starts to gradually prepare for dealing with its longer-term impacts, governments and societies should take moment to reflect on what we can learn from this crisis and use these lessons to build a better … [Read more...]
The COVID-19 pandemic is the defining health crisis of our time
Ms Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, European Commission and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization Beginning with a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, China, this novel coronavirus has spread with alarming speed, shaking the foundations of health systems, … [Read more...]
EU inaction on Syrian refugees is a stain on human conscience
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkish Republic The EU was meant to be a world power that stood as a beacon for human rights and respect for the international rules-based order. But unless something is done about Greece’s treatment of refugees, and the frenzied support it still receives from the EU, that claim will collapse. I have long cautioned the EU to … [Read more...]
Europe Should Finally Wake Up From Its Long Sleep
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Turkey As Turkey, we are conducting a major fight at Europe’s doorstep. The Syrian crisis - which has been raging for nine years and has constantly brought new disasters for humanity - threatens us all once more. But this time, something is different. It is no longer possible for us to defend Europe, in spite of Europe itself, and … [Read more...]
The EU and Central Asia: new opportunities to work together for a green future
Josep Borell Fontelles, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) On 28 January 2020, friends from Central Asia, Afghanistan and the European Union will gather in Berlin for a conference organised by the German Foreign Ministry, entitled “Green Central Asia”. I was glad to accept the invitation and join … [Read more...]
Central Asia under spotlight of discussions at the UN Security Council
Elvira Kadyrova Last week, the UN Security Council hosted debate on the contribution of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Commonwealth of Independent States and Shanghai Cooperation Organization in countering terrorist threats. The meeting, chaired by Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, was attended by foreign ministers of a number of members of these … [Read more...]
In today’s world, we need a stronger partnership between the European Union and Central Asia
Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy & Vice-President of the European Commission, and Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development In our highly interconnected world of today, where closer regional and inter-regional cooperation is essential for peace and prosperity, Europe and Central Asia … [Read more...]
Нам необходимо более крепкое партнерство – ЕС о сотрудничестве со странами Центральной Азии
ФедерикаМогерини, верховный представитель ЕС по иностранным делам и политике безопасности и вице-президент Европейской комиссии, и Невен Мимика, Европейский Комиссар по международному сотрудничеству и развитию В сегодняшнем крайне взаимосвязанном мире, где более тесное региональное и межрегиональное сотрудничество являются необходимой составляющей для мира и процветания, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Policy statement on Trans-Caspian gas pipeline
While visiting the Altyn Asyr lake on Thursday (28 February 2019), President Berdymuhamedov spoke to Lubomir FREBORT, the head of the EU liaison office in Turkmenistan. His remarks can be taken as a policy statement of Turkmenistan on the question of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline: “Indeed, the topic of implementing this project, which envisages the entry of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
High level Dialogue EU-Central Asia and Afghanistan was held in Ashgabat
On July 9, 2018 High-level Dialogue of the European Union-Central Asia and Afghanistan on issues of politics and security has been held in Ashgabat. The meeting was held at the level of deputy foreign ministers. The delegation of the European Union at the meeting was headed by Jean Christophe Belliard, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External … [Read more...]
Диалог высокого уровня ЕС-Центральная Азия и Афганистан состоялся в Ашхабаде
9 июля 2018года в Ашхабаде состоялось заседание Диалога высокого уровня Европейский Союз-Центральная Азия и Афганистан по вопросам политики и безопасности. Встреча прошла на уровне заместителей министров иностранных дел. Делегацию Европейского Союза на заседании возглавил Заместитель Генерального секретаря по политическим вопросам Европейской службы внешних связей Жан … [Read more...]
Anti-terror conference held in Dushanbe in May 2018
nCa Report The embassy of Tajikistan in Ashgabat hosted Wednesday (6 June 2018) a briefing for the diplomatic community and the media. Ambassador Farrukh Homiddin Sharifzoda, who conducted the briefing, dealt with the two main issues: International conference on water, which will be held later this month in Dushanbe – we have covered this in a separate report already … [Read more...]
Trump withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal – Probable side effects for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi President Trump announced Tuesday (8 May 2018) that he was pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal. This would potentially bring several consequences to the doors of Central Asia, some positive, some negative. There are four elements to this mix: 1. Rationale of Trump for ditching the Iran deal; 2. Response of US allies and deal partners; 3. Iran’s reaction; and … [Read more...]
Brexit bombshell and Central Asia
nCa Commentary Ashgabat, 25 June 2016 (nCa) --- The ‘Leave’ vote in the hotly contested Brexit referendum is a big surprise for all, especially those who were campaigning for it. It will take a while, perhaps two months, to fully comprehend the scope of this decision and how it will impact Central Asia. In the parlance of Game Theory, it looks like a negative-sum model, … [Read more...]
Ошеломительное известие о выходе Великобритании из ЕС и Центральная Азия
Комментарий nCa Ашхабад, 25 июня 2016 (nCa) --- Голос в пользу выхода в ходе горячего референдума по вопросу о выходе Великобритании из состава ЕС (Brexit) стал большим сюрпризом, особенно для тех кто организовал всю эту кампанию. Пройдет некоторое время, возможно, два месяца, прежде чем будут осознаны масштабы этого решения и то, как оно повлияет на Центральную Азию. На … [Read more...]
Russia-Ukraine deal: Connotations for Central Asia – Part Four
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 26 Dec—If ‘the west’ is a myth, what is reality? The reality is what Machiavelli pointed out long ago: permanent interests In fact, Machiavelli is in need of correction – instead of permanent interests we just need to talk of interests, permanent or temporary. Except for the need for survival, peace and growth, there are hardly any permanent … [Read more...]
Russia-Ukraine deal: Connotations for Central Asia – Part Three
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 24 Dec—The Russian bailout package with the $15 billion bond purchase and immense discount on gas price at its core, translates into one life-size message for the so-called ‘west’: You are damned if Yanukovych falls and you are damned if he doesn’t. The current gas sale-purchase agreement between Russia and Ukraine will fall due for renewal next year … [Read more...]
Russia-Ukraine deal: Connotations for Central Asia – Part Two
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 23 Dec—Whether we equate it with Karate or Chess, the Russian bailout package for Ukraine is a brilliant move. Europe now finds itself between a hard place and Putin. We shall return to it later. For now let’s look at the gas deal. Heavy discount on gas Gazprom agreed to slash gas price for Ukraine from $ 400 to $ 268.5 per thousand cubic meters. … [Read more...]
Russia-Ukraine deal: Connotations for Central Asia – Part One
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 20 Dec—Russia and Ukraine signed 15 bilateral documents Tuesday (17 Dec). If good sense can somehow prevail on all sides, the net impact would be entirely positive for all players – a win-win situation albeit different players taking home unequal slices of win. The Moscow-Kiev deal includes the bailout package for Ukraine, the substantial discount on … [Read more...]
Российско-Украинские договоренности: значение для Центральной Азии – Часть Четвертая
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 26 декабря— Если «Запад» является мифом , то что такое реальность? Реальность это постоянные интересы. Об этом говорил еще Макиавелли. На самом деле, Макиавелли нуждается в поправке - вместо постоянных интересов, нам просто нужно говорить об интересах, постоянных или временных. За исключением необходимости выживания, мира и роста, трудно указать … [Read more...]
Российско-Украинские договоренности: значение для Центральной Азии – Часть Третья
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 24 декабря—Российский пакет помощи Украине, выражающийся в 15 млрд. долл. США выкупленных облигаций, и огромные скидки на поставки газа, по своей сути, служат сообщением для так называемого «запада»: Будьте вы прокляты, если Янукович падет, и будьте вы прокляты, даже если он не падет. Действующее соглашение газа купли-продажи между Россией и Украиной … [Read more...]
Российско-Украинские договоренности: значение для Центральной Азии – Часть Вторая
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 23 декабря—Сравним ли мы этот шаг с приемом в каратэ или с партией в шахматы, но российский пакет помощи для Украины является блестящим ходом. Европа сейчас находится между наковальней и Путиным. Мы еще вернемся к этому позже. Сейчас давайте рассмотрим газовую сделку между Россией и Украиной. Крупные скидки на поставку газа Газпром согласился … [Read more...]