On 27 October, President Charles Michel visited two Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The visit is symbol of the reinforced cooperation between the EU and Central Asia and confirms the commitment of all parties to ensure future mutually beneficial agreements with the bloc. In his declarations, President Michel reiterated that the EU deems democracy, and the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms as essential elements of cooperation.
The visit was followed by a summit in Astana with leaders of all the regional countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Following the meeting, the leaders issued a joint statement in which they reaffirmed their commitment to work together for peace, security, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development, with full respect for international law. Countries in Central Asia have been indirectly impacted by sanctions as one of their main commercial partners was Russia. For this reason, they aim to create new opportunities with the EU and grow stronger ties.
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