The cooperation between the European Union and Central Asian countries has gained significant momentum in recent years, strengthening regional stability, economic growth, and mutual trust. In this context, the first EU – Central Asia Think Tank Forum, organized by the International Institute for Central Asia, marks a major step forward.

Saidmukhtar Saidkassymov, an advisor at the institute, highlighted the increasing importance of EU-Central Asia relations, emphasizing that the upcoming EU – Central Asia Summit in Samarkand will be a milestone in regional cooperation.

The forum addressed key topics such as transport corridors, digitalization, green economy, and water resource management. Erlan Zhakupov, Head of Global Economy and Sustainable Development at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, stressed the need to modernize the Middle Corridor as a key trade route between Europe and Asia.

Ultimately, the EU and Central Asia are expanding their partnership, focusing on long-term projects in logistics, environmental sustainability, and innovation.