Michel arrives 8 months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which made Moscow’s former Soviet neighbors worry about the potential repercussions for the region. [European Union]
The EU and five Central Asian leaders reiterated their goal of comprehensive cooperation on Thursday 27 October, in a sign of concern about the repercussions that Russia’s war in Ukraine has had on the region.
“Central Asia and Europe are becoming more and more connected,” European Council President Charles Michel told Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, while touting ties with the region, which has become more potent after the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“My comes at a difficult time for Europe and the whole region,” Michel said ahead of the first EU-Central Asia summit, which he described as “much more than just a political discussion between two regions. “
“This is a strong symbol of our enhanced cooperation,” he said, before meeting with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) later on Thursday.
Although low-key, the summit was also perceived as a sign of concern about the repercussions of Russia’s war in Ukraine in the region.
“The participants emphasized the great importance of presenting a regional vision and cooperation in building sustainable connectivity between Central Asia and the EU, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the national objectives of maritime transport and transit progression of Central Asian countries,” said a joint between the EU and the five regional leaders after the summit.
Michel “welcomed the efforts of Central Asian leaders for regional cooperation and connectivity,” while Central Asian leaders “highly appreciated the EU’s contribution to intensifying economic progression after the pandemic. “
Also under pressure that “creating a favorable business environment would further stimulate investment in the region, connectivity and trade. “
The two sides also agreed to meet from now on.
Michel arrives 8 months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which made Moscow’s former Soviet neighbors worry about the potential repercussions in the region.
Two weeks earlier, Astana had hosted several summits attended by Russia, as well as China and Turkey, which are also seeking influence in the region.
Central Asian countries, which historically have close ties to Russia, followed the Kremlin’s attack on Ukraine, condemning or brazenly supporting it.
Tokayev, however, publicly clashed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, refusing the self-proclaimed separatist republics of eastern Ukraine, which Moscow later annexed.
Michel arrives as EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell is due to travel to Samarkand in mid-November for the annual EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting, which is expected to be heavily focused on launching closer cooperation with the region in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kazakhstan Viewpoint
This is Michel’s first official in Kazakhstan, the main economic force in a region where Russia’s influence is being challenged, which he described as a “crucial partner” with whom the EU hoped to “develop cooperation. “
Kazakhstan was one of the EU’s main trading partners, Michel said during his visit, calling for investments in the country’s shipping infrastructure, which is seeking to lessen its dependence on Moscow since the latter sent troops to Ukraine.
Astana is seeking new routes for its oil exports, about three-quarters of which transit through Russia after Tokayev pledged in early July to greater energy cooperation with the EU.
Speaking alongside Michel, Tokayev is under pressure to make his country the first in Central Asia to sign an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU.
He highlighted the prospect of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU in spaces such as shipping critical raw fabrics and green energy, as well as the importance of finding foreign shipping routes for secure global supply chains.
In a joint meeting on Thursday, Tokayev and Michel said they discussed how to avoid an “unintended negative effect on Kazakhstan’s economy” from EU sanctions against Russia, imposed by the bloc on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
They also discussed the relocation to Kazakhstan of “European production companies”, whose products are subject to sanctions.
Rich in hydrocarbons and minerals, Kazakhstan is at the center of China’s vast New Silk Road project.
Similarly, the EU’s most recent connectivity strategy, dubbed the Global Gateway, with more than €40 billion in generation and infrastructure costs, is seen by many as a response to China’s Belt and Road program.
EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen on Monday 22nd November called on Afghanistan’s neighbours to prevent human trafficking at their meeting with their Central Asian counterparts in Tajikistan’s capital. EURACTIV reports from Dushanbe.
[Edited via Nathalie Weatherald]