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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.