BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 2. Representatives
of Central Asian countries and the European Union have explored
ways to strengthen their strategic partnership at the inaugural
Central Asia-EU Strategic Institutes Forum in Brussels.
According to a press release issued by the Embassy of
Turkmenistan in Belgium, the forum was held at the headquarters of
the European External Action Service (EEAS), with the support of
the EU Special Representative for Central Asia and the European
Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS).
According to the publication, representatives of strategic and
analytical institutions from Central Asian countries, EU
institutions and leading European experts in international
relations, security and economics took part in the event.
The two-day discussions covered a wide range of issues,
including international security trends, trade and economic
relations, transport and energy connectivity, investment,
technology transfer, digitalization, education and public
diplomacy.
A separate session focused on public diplomacy and cultural and
humanitarian ties as important components of long-term cooperation
between the two regions.
Participants emphasized the role of education, training young
professionals, academic exchanges and joint research programmes in
strengthening regional cooperation.
"The main objective of the forum was to strengthen expert
dialogue between Central Asia and the European Union, develop
mutual understanding and formulate practical proposals for further
deepening the strategic partnership established following the first
Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand in April 2025," the publication
stated.
Participants also highlighted the importance of maintaining
regular engagement between analytical institutions in Central Asia
and the European Union, conducting joint research and preparing
practical recommendations for further development of interregional
cooperation.
