• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
11 February 2025

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 25

Kyrgyzstan and EU Sign Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

On June 25, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov met the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Brussels to discuss issues on Kyrgyzstan-EU interaction. Views were exchanged on prospects for trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in energy, transport, rare metals, agriculture, and environmentally- friendly technologies Following the meeting, an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. The new document replaces the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed back in 1999. As reported by the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Agreement provides new legal grounds for reinforced political dialogue and deepening cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, environment, and climate change, as well as rule of law, human rights, and civil society. It will also strengthen cooperation in foreign and security policy, including issues of conflict prevention and crisis management, risk reduction, cybersecurity, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms and export control. In addition, the EPCA will create new opportunities for cooperation in critical raw materials, essential for green and digital transitions. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell commented: “We are happy to count the Kyrgyz Republic amongst our close partners. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to strengthening and deepening our bilateral relations based on shared values and common interests in all areas of mutual benefit, reflecting new geopolitical and economic realities. We will continue working with Kyrgyzstan on further strengthening the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and promote cooperation with civil society which are essential pillars of an open democratic society.” Welcoming the initiative, Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, announced: “This Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement marks a new chapter in the EU’s economic and trade relations with Kyrgyzstan. We have included an ambitious Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter that aims to promote fair and open competition, while also benefiting Kyrgyz consumers and SMEs. Through this Agreement, we are helping to create more opportunities for EU and Kyrgyz businesses and investors by facilitating trade flows and enhancing cooperation. We believe this partnership will contribute to the prosperity of our regions by generating new and better jobs and boosting economic development and resilience.” Since 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic has benefitted from unilateral and preferential access to the EU market through the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development (GSP+) of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. Kyrgyzstan is the EU’s third largest trading partner in Central Asia. GSP+ has contributed to an increase in EU-Kyrgyzstan trade in goods in 2023 by 116% (over 2022) reaching EUR 2.845 billion.    

EU and Kazakhstan Launch Coordination Platform of Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

On 12 June, the European Commission and Kazakhstan launched the Coordination Platform for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) or the Middle Corridor, in Astana. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, the newly established Coordination Platform will improve the safety and sustainability of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and turn it into a multimodal and competitive route linking Europe and Asia in 15 days or less. The event was attended by representatives of Central Asian countries and other states sited along the corridor, as well as international financial institutions and non-EU G7 countries. Emphasizing the critical development of transport infrastructure and strengthening transport links for the regions’ economic growth and prosperity, Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, stated: “The establishment of the Coordination Platform provides us with a unique opportunity to join forces, exchange experience and perspectives to reach common goals. I would like to note that our partners from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, as well as Turkey have been invited to join this effort, which plays an important role in terms of achieving major and sustainable goals for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.” The Minister of Transport expressed gratitude to the European Union for its invaluable support and efforts towards the development of Central Asian countries. Speaking at the event, Henrik Hololei, Hors-Classe Adviser at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships in the European Commission, stated: "The Coordination Platform created for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor marks a significant step forward in our cooperation to bring Central Asia and Europe closer together. Sustainable transport connections are crucial for consolidating the region’s economic growth and connectivity with Europe." Ms. Maja Bakran, Deputy Director General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, then added: “The Coordination Platform will be instrumental in making the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor a multimodal, modern, competitive, sustainable, predictable, smart and fast route linking Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The coordination efforts among the various stakeholders will drive forward deeper connections and contribute to sustainable economic development of the region.” The Platform’s key objectives are to promote the corridor and coordinate efforts on the implementation of priority hard and soft infrastructure projects in Central Asia. It will also boost and coordinate investments in rail, road, and port infrastructure.    

Central Asia – EU Political and Security Cooperation

On June 5, Brussels hosted the 11th round of the annual High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union and Central Asia. Chaired by Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service, the meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. As reported by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the agenda comprised the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between Central Asia and the EU, the dynamics of transport, trade, economic, energy and climate relations, and common security challenges regarding Afghanistan. Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, presented several initiatives relating to energy, trade and water resources management aimed at enhancing interregional cooperation with the EU. Outlining the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), he highlighted a program for continuous monitoring of the basin ecosystem. To be implemented over the next three years, the initiative will provide a mechanism for long-term intraregional cooperation on the Aral issue. Vassilenko also reiterated the need for Central Asian countries to synchronize efforts in the fields of effective irrigation, the operation of water and energy facilities, and the implementation of environmental measures. The European External Action Service reported that in turn, the EU had reaffirmed its willingness to support efforts to intensify its cooperation on security with Central Asia, especially in areas concerning management of water-related challenges, energy and climate change, and connectivity. The High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was the latest conference to be held within the context of increased engagement between Central Asia and the European Union. Central Asia’s Heads of State and the President of the European Council had previously met on 27 October 2022 and 2 June 2023.  At a further EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg, the 27 EU Foreign Ministers adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia with concrete actions for strengthening cooperation, most notably regarding security. The EU and Central Asian countries are now planning the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit for later this year.    

Kazakhstan and EU Seek Increase in Trade of Agricultural Products

On May 29, Kazakhstan Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov entered discussions with European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski for the removal of trade barriers for agricultural products. The conference took place during the European Commissioner’s first High-Level Mission to Kazakhstan, attended by a delegation of 40 agri-food businesses and organizations from across the European Union. Saparov and Wojciechowski agreed to continue discussions on the technicalities of opening the EU market for Kazakh honey, meat, and dairy products, as well as the export of pig and poultry products from EU countries to Kazakhstan. In 2023, Kazakhstan exported 650 thousand tons of wheat to EU countries, alongside flax seeds, rapeseed, and processed grain crops. Although Kazakh producers are not yet licensed to export livestock products to the EU, Kazakh fish is in high demand by European buyers. Of Kazakhstan’s 70 fish processing enterprises, 18 have been granted the right to export their products to the European Union countries. In 2023, Kazakhstan’s exports of fish products amounted to around 25 thousand tons, worth $85 million. About 11 thousand tons were exported to EU countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania for a total of $60 million. With a long tradition of livestock farming, Kazakhstan is naturally eager to export its meat, particularly horsemeat. Minister Saparov therefore proposed intensifying efforts to export such produce in tandem with securing approval to export  Kazakh honey to the EU. In a press statement ahead of his visit, Commissioner Wojciechowski announced, “This High-Level Mission is a strong signal of our intention to further strengthen our partnership and our bilateral trade in agri-food products with Kazakhstan.” Kazakhstan remains a key gateway for EU food and beverage producers seeking entrance to the Central Asian market, and Kazakhstan itself, is an important destination for EU agricultural exports, which in 2023, amounted to €702 million.    

Central Asia-EU Conference Focuses on Security Issues

On May 24, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) in collaboration with the European Union, hosted a conference in Tashkent entitled "Central Asia – the European Union: a new agenda for security cooperation." As reported by the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, discussions focused on cooperation on security between Central Asian countries and the EU, and in particular, the need to develop new approaches in combating terrorism and organized crime, strengthening cybersecurity, and preventing violent extremism and human trafficking. Towards this goal and as part of EU-funded security-related projects, thousands of highly qualified specialists have been trained, and border and customs checkpoints modernized in the Central Asian region. Opening the meeting, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala stated: “I was present at the [EU and Central Asia] Leaders’ Meeting in Cholpon-Ata in 2023 when President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed this conference. We have achieved a lot in our regional cooperation since then and I am glad of this opportunity  to deepen our security cooperation. I am convinced that today’s dialogue  will help us to respond better to rapidly changing security challenges faced by both the EU and Central Asia.” Endorsing Hakala's statement, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Muzaffarbek Madrahimov said, “Today's realities confirm the need for a deeper understanding of the indivisibility of threats to the security of Europe and Central Asia, and our common interests in combating transnational threats.” EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Charlotte Adriaen likewise reiterated : “In an increasingly interconnected world, no country nor region can tackle the emerging unconventional security threats alone. During today’s discussions, we heard from security experts and practitioners from the EU and Central Asia and took stock of the ongoing cooperation and existing projects”.    

EU and Partner Banks Upgrade Water Supply in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan

A new water intake facility has been launched in the Cholpon-Ata resort at Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul thanks to a joint investment of EUR 5.1 million from the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The opening ceremony on 11 May was attended by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Japarov. The European Union’s grant of EUR 3.1 million, combined with an EIB and EBRD investment loan of EUR 2.25 million, funded vital improvements to the city’s water supply system which had not been upgraded since it began operating in 1986. According to the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, by helping eliminate the risk of water-borne diseases, the project has provided over 19,000 citizens of Cholpon-Ata with regular access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. To date, grants exceeding EUR 100 million from the EU have leveraged EUR 205 million investments to support Kyrgyzstan’s drinking water, solid waste management, and energy services, benefitting over 376,000 citizens in 14 cities and eight villages across the country.