Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, has described the forthcoming Central Asia–EU summit in Samarkand as a “truly historic” moment, marking a significant evolution in the relationship between the two regions.
In an interview with Euronews ahead of the meeting, he outlined Uzbekistan’s strategic objectives, the transformation of Central Asia, and the importance of institutionalising long-term cooperation with the European Union.
The 4 April summit in Samarkand will be the first formal meeting between the leaders of the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—and the heads of the European Union. The EU will be represented by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The event will be hosted by President Mirziyoyev in the historic Uzbek city.
The summit, which follows the 2019 EU Strategy on Central Asia and the 2023 Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties, is expected to focus on multilateral cooperation, regional security, economic and investment relations, energy transition, connectivity, and climate resilience.
“Our regions are linked by deep historical roots, coinciding interests, and a common desire for close partnership,”Mirziyoyev told Euronews. He described the Central Asia–EU cooperation format as “unparalleled in its scale and institutional scope,” noting the increasing engagement between European institutions and the five republics.
Trade between Central Asia and the EU has increased fourfold in the past seven years, reaching €54 billion. In Uzbekistan alone, bilateral trade with EU countries totalled $6.4 billion in 2024—up 5.2 per cent on the previous year—with over 1,000 European-invested enterprises active in the country. The cumulative volume of European investment projects stands at €30 billion.
Anticipating the signing of an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), Mirziyoyev said this would create “new opportunities for strengthening trade and investment ties” and promote broader alignment with European technical standards and sustainability frameworks.
Mirziyoyev emphasised the selection of Samarkand as the summit venue as more than a logistical choice. Historically situated at the crossroads of East and West, the city served as a cultural, diplomatic and commercial hub during the rule of Amir Temur in the 14th century.
“Samarkand is a city that has been a centre of trade, science and diplomacy for centuries. Its glory was built on its ability to unite cultures, peoples and ideas,” he said. Referring to what he called the “Samarkand spirit”, Mirziyoyev said the city embodied a vision of the world “as one and indivisible, not divided”.
Turning to regional dynamics, the Uzbek leader outlined the shift in Central Asia from fragmented bilateral relations to structured, multilateral cooperation. Since 2017, Uzbekistan has initiated regular consultative meetings among Central Asian leaders, facilitating trust-building and the resolution of disputes—including the recent border delimitation agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
“Central Asia has undergone a profound transformation… and has acquired a new identity as a space of constructive dialogue, trust and comprehensive cooperation,” he said.
He added that the region is now “shaping its own strategic agenda” and highlighted progress on connectivity, with particular reference to the development of the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan corridors, which are designed to facilitate East–West and North–South trade flows.
Uzbekistan’s own economic reforms—such as currency liberalisation, reduced tax burdens, and streamlined procedures for foreign investment—were also presented as groundwork for more substantial engagement with the EU.
The Samarkand summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint statement, the Samarkand Declaration, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to a strategic partnership. Discussions will focus on security cooperation, green energy, climate adaptation, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges.
“We are counting on the deepening of political dialogue and the development of new mechanisms of interaction, which will make our cooperation more systematic and oriented towards long-term goals,” Mirziyoyev told Euronews.
Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the “Central Asian Five” is focused on three priority areas: regional security, economic integration, and environmental sustainability. These coincide with EU interests as defined in the 2019 strategy and 2023 roadmap.
Central Asia, home to both traditional energy resources and emerging renewables potential, is positioning itself as a strategic supplier and partner in the green transition. Uzbekistan plans to implement over 50 renewable energy projects by 2030, with a combined capacity of 24,000 megawatts. The country aims to derive more than half of its electricity from renewable sources within five years.
“We propose the establishment of a Central Asia–EU Clean Energy Partnership,” Mirziyoyev said, outlining opportunities for collaboration in green hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels. He also supported the development of a regional carbon credit market to attract investment in low-emissions technologies.
EU leaders will also participate in the opening session of the Samarkand International Climate Forum, taking place alongside the summit. The forum will bring together policymakers, climate experts, and civil society actors to address the increasing environmental risks affecting both Europe and Central Asia.
On foreign policy, Mirziyoyev underlined Uzbekistan’s consistent engagement with Afghanistan. While many governments have distanced themselves from the Taliban-led administration, Uzbekistan has maintained contact and prioritised integration into regional connectivity projects.
“The development of Afghanistan is impossible without constructive engagement with neighbouring countries,” he said. Citing United Nations data, he noted that opium cultivation in Afghanistan had fallen by 95 per cent following a ban introduced in 2023. Infrastructure and transport projects, as well as support for alternative agriculture, are currently underway.
He added that international efforts should focus on education and long-term development assistance, and called on the EU to join Central Asian states in promoting a “positive agenda” for Afghanistan.
Security is expected to feature prominently at the summit, with an emphasis on joint responses to terrorism, extremism and cyber threats. Mirziyoyev said the region and Europe share common vulnerabilities, and that new initiatives were required in addition to existing frameworks.
“We recognise that our region and the European Union face common security threats… In this regard, cooperation in the field of security is one of the key areas of our partnership,” he said.
Mirziyoyev placed particular emphasis on climate resilience, proposing a new “Green Partnership” between the EU and Central Asia. Uzbekistan will present a Regional Green Development Concept at the summit, aimed at supporting sustainable land use, reforestation, biodiversity, and water conservation.
Initiatives already underway include the Green Belt of Central Asia—a regional afforestation programme focused on degraded lands in the Aral Sea region—and the establishment of Central Asia’s first Green University, which will provide a platform for education and scientific collaboration.
He also suggested joint glacier monitoring and adoption of European best practices in water conservation and public-private climate finance.
President Mirziyoyev expressed hope that the summit would mark a turning point in EU–Central Asia relations, adding that the institutional frameworks being developed would ensure that cooperation is anchored in long-term interests rather than short-term engagements.
“This meeting will be a step towards creating a sustainable, mutually beneficial partnership… based on common interests, trust and the desire for joint development,” he said.
In a message directed at European leaders and the wider public, he concluded: “Central Asia is open for dialogue and increased interaction. We advocate constructive cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and trust in the interests of sustainable development and improving the well-being of our people.”
