The EU Commissioner visits the countries of Central Asia to sign cooperation agreements

The European commissioner responsible for international associations, Jzef Sikela, ended a very popular visit to the five countries of Central Asia, where he met with high employees and signed several agreements to reinforce the “global entrance door” strategy.

At initiative, which visa mobilize 300 billion euros worldwide, It focuses on four key sectors in Central Asia: transport, essential raw materials, digital connectivity and sustainable energy.

“There is great potential to explore. This visit to the region should not only underline the importance of the region and the importance of connections between Europe and Central Asia, but also to deal with concrete things. We want to not only increase our presence, but also contribute to the economic development of the entire region,” Sikela told Euronews.

Sikela stressed the unique position of the countries of Central Asia, referring to non -coastal nations, the challenges taught by partial sanctions and the proximity of countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and China. However, the Central Asia area shares EU’s commitment to the United Nations Charter and the rule of law, which makes it an important partner in an increasingly fragmented world.

The visit of the commissioner began in the Turchemenistanwhere discussions focused on the Transcaspiano Transport CorridorA vital economic route that connects Europe with Central Asia. The commissioner has also established himself with the adhesion of Turkmenistan to the world commitment to methane, as well as with the signing of two agreements, namely, in the field of renewable energy.

In KazakhstanA loan of 200 million euros was signed to finance sustainable projects between the European Investment Bank and the Kazakhstan Development Bank.

Debates also included critical raw materials and Europe’s interest in guaranteeing essential resources for its ecological and digital transition.

“On the one hand, we need raw materials for European ecological and digital transition. On the other hand, we need rich countries (raw materials) to have the most modern and environmentally respected forms of extraction. Therefore, we are offering technical support, viability and innovative technologies of European companies,” said Sikela.

Energy development has held a central place in the Tajiquistanwhere a 20 million euros agreement was signed with the European Reconstruction and Development Bank (BERD) to modernize the country’s energy system and expand renewable energy sources.

At the same time, Berd granted 42 million euros to Chirguizistán For the resistant water resources program designed to improve water management.

In UzbekistanDigital connectivity was one of the main objectives, and two agreements were signed to expand Internet access to rural areas. The initiative includes a subsidy of 34.4 million EU EU and a loan of 25.35 million euros to SES, a satellite company based in Europe, to bring broadband Internet to Kazakhstan remote, Uzbekistan, Quyecgy and Tajiquistan.

“This excellent initiative goes beyond connectivity, opening doors to education, medical care and economic opportunities, helping to eliminate the digital gap and promote global connectivity,” said Kyriakos Kakouris, Vice President of Abe, after signing the contract.

Another crucial element of Sikela’s visit to Uzbekistan was the guarantee of preparations for the first UE-Central SummaryScheduled for the beginning of April.

The work order will include interregional cooperation, opportunities for trade and investment, as well as debates on world security challenges, such as Russian war in Ukraine and the alteration of US policies.