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”.