Borrell: Central Asian countries are becoming more strategically important
The countries of Central Asia are the link between Europe and Asia and they are becoming more and more important from a strategic point of view. They seek to diversify their foreign policy, and the EU needs to strengthen relations with them, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Münster, Germany, on Friday.
– In the coming weeks, I [will go] to Samarkand [for] a conference on connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. This will be a good occasion to strengthen our ties, our partnership and develop our strategic investment program for Global Europe, the Global Gateway, which is our way to increase our investment and interaction with this part of the world, which is becoming more and more important in the current conditions,” said Borrell speaking to the press.
The statement of the High Representative of the EU is published on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
As a result of the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, as well as the EU High Representative adopted a joint statement, in which a separate item is also assigned to Central Asia.
The G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and working with their governments and peoples on issues of socio-economic development, respect for human rights, the implementation of domestic and institutional reforms, and regional security.
"We will also work together to promote communications, transport and trade links," the statement released by EEAS said.
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Photo: api.ardmediathek.de
