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5mo ago

EU Holds Landmark Summit with Central Asian Leaders in Uzbekistan

The EU seeks to strengthen ties in trade, energy, and security while addressing sanctions enforcement and resource access in a region balancing global powers.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the region's drift from Moscow's orbit
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The summit takes place in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand
Central Asia has emerged as one of one of several hubs through which sanctioned Western goods are re-exported to Russia

Overview

  • The EU's first summit with Central Asian leaders is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focusing on trade, energy, and security cooperation.
  • Key discussions include the development of the trans-Caspian transport corridor to enhance connectivity and reduce transit times between the EU and Central Asia.
  • The EU aims to secure access to critical raw materials, including rare earth elements and uranium, essential for its green energy transition.
  • Human rights concerns, such as NGO restrictions and forced displacement, are being raised but remain secondary to economic and strategic goals.
  • Central Asian nations are being urged to prevent the circumvention of Western sanctions on Russia, though no binding commitments have been made.