The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025.
It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues related to multilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
The parties discussed preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, to be held in April this year in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the same time, the foreign ministers exchanged views on key areas of the regional and international agenda and reaffirmed the importance of joining forces in resolving pressing issues of our time.
The parties exchanged views on the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of this format, paid special attention to the expansion of transport and digital connectivity, including within the framework of the European strategy “Global Gateway” to achieve digital, energy and environmental transformation.
The meeting discussed partnership on the introduction of alternative energy sources and the development of a “green” economy, taking into account Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat.
In addition, special attention was paid to the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties, including the development of cooperation in education and science.
Following the results of the ministerial meeting, the Joint Communique of the 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was adopted.
A side event entitled “International Year of Peace and Trust: Deepening Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union” was also organized within the framework of the meeting, in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust.
In addition, bilateral meetings were held between the participants of the Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting.