The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, highlighted on Sunday the «growing importance» of Central Asia, both geostrategically and economically, following a visit to the region.
«Relations (with Central Asia) must be constantly nurtured and updated in light of new circumstances. These days, Central Asia is at the center of events, in geostrategic and geo-economic terms,» the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs said.
The head of the European diplomacy has indicated that the role of Russia and China in the region «continues» to be important, but the countries of the area «seek to diversify their relations and see the EU as a partner of choice».
«Our Central Asian partners are looking to diversify their partnerships, they want greater involvement of the European Union, and there is certainly much more we can do together on connectivity, energy and security,» Borrell explained, clarifying that the relationship is not starting «from scratch», having made Brussels the region’s main trade and investment partner.
«We are about to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations. The key task is to build on these foundations and give a new impetus, taking into account the rapidly changing geopolitical context,» he asserted.
In this line, he has assured to have «a clear interest in taking advantage of these changes»: «We must deepen our ties with the region», he has pointed out, highlighting the supply of energy, raw materials or new transport corridors «that do not depend on Russia».
Borrell began a visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan last Wednesday, where he has participated in regional forums and sought closer ties with Central Asian countries. «My meeting with key civil society leaders (in Kazakhstan) was a good occasion to hear first-hand about the work they are doing,» he said.
