2. Central Asia has a centuries-old tradition of
bringing Europe and Asia together. It lies at a
strategically important intersection between the two
continents. The Central Asian States are: Kazakhstan,
the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and
Uzbekistan. The EU will foster regional cooperation
among Central Asian States and between Central Asian
States and other regions.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the time has
come for a new partnership between the EU and Central
Asian States in a globalised world.
4. The EU will within the framework of this
Strategy:
• Establish a regular regional political dialogue at Foreign
Minister level;
• Start an “European Education Initiative” and support
Central Asian countries in the development of an “e-silk-highway”;
• Establish a regular, result-oriented “Human Rights
Dialogue” with each of the Central Asian States.
5. The EU is prepared to enter into an open and
constructive dialogue with regional organizations in Central Asia
and to establish regular ad hoc contacts i.a. with EURASEC, the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO), CICA, CSTO, CAREC
and CARICC.
A strengthened EU approach:
Human rights, rule of law, good governance and
democratization.
Investing in the future: youth and education.
Promotion of economic development, trade and
investment.
Environmental sustainability and water.
Combating common threats and challenges.
6.
Closely linking the focus of EU regional
cooperation with Central Asia with that of the
ENPI regional programs will enable Central Asian
countries to benefit effectively from the relevant
inter-state energy, transport, environment and
education initiatives and strengthened programs
set up under the ENPI East, facilitating their
anchoring to Eastern Europe and access to global
markets.
