AB and Black Sea-Central Asia Cooperation for New Business Opportunities

Statement on Cooperation with Black Sea and Central Asian Countries by the EU

The European Union (EU) announced that they have agreed to expand cooperation with Black Sea and Central Asian countries, including Turkey, in common areas. This significant development was recorded during the "Regional Security and Connectivity Ministerial Meeting" held in Luxembourg.

Participants of the Meeting

At the meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and the Member responsible for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela were present, while Turkey was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan also gathered at the meeting.

Strategic Importance of the Black Sea

The statement emphasized the geostrategic role of the Black Sea in the international trade, energy, and transportation of critical raw materials. Therefore, it was stated that cooperation among the countries in the region is of "vital importance" for security and stability. During the meeting, proposals to deepen cooperation for enhancing maritime security were evaluated, and it was indicated that the EU is ready to support member countries' and partners' efforts to increase capacities for observation, monitoring, and combating hybrid threats.

Interregional Connectivity and Development Goals

The meeting also addressed strengthening transportation connections among Black Sea and Central Asian countries, discussing various projects including the Trans-Caspian Transportation Corridor. Strengthening digital connectivity and expanding high-speed internet access is targeted to contribute to trade and innovation, while the development of renewable energy connections also ranked among the priorities.

Increasing regional trade and digitizing customs procedures will facilitate cross-border trade and enhance market integration by attracting private sector financing. The parties reached a consensus on the need to create joint action plans and develop effective coordination frameworks in this context.