The European Union is set to strengthen its global trade diversification strategy through a historic summit with Central Asian nations on April 4 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will lead the EU delegation at the high-level event.

Speaking at a European Parliament session in Strasbourg, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of broadening trade networks and reducing dependence on traditional partners. She noted that Europe already has agreements with 76 countries, but new global dynamics call for wider engagement.

The summit will mark the first formal meeting between the EU and all five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Key topics include trade, energy, infrastructure, climate change, and security.

This strategic outreach is part of the EU’s broader move to secure new trade corridors and economic partners, especially in regions like Central Asia that offer significant resources and geopolitical importance.

The Samarkand meeting is expected to launch a new era of multilateral cooperation, creating pathways for sustainable growth, stability, and shared prosperity.