On 16 July, the European Union and the five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — held their 13th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue in Brussels, reaffirming their commitment to deepening strategic ties. The meeting, chaired by EEAS Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs Olof Skoog, brought together deputy foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the Kyrgyz ambassador to the EU.
The dialogue focused on global and regional developments, including Russia's war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and Afghanistan. Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in political engagement and agreed to continue addressing common security challenges through EU programmes supporting border management, counter-terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and strengthening cybersecurity. Sustainable connectivity, secure transport corridors, energy security, and digital transformation were highlighted as increasingly important for regional resilience and prosperity.
The EU reiterated its commitment to the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, adopted in October 2023, and the first EU-Central Asia Summit held in April 2025. The Union stressed the importance of enhancing resilience through effective governance, rule of law, accountable institutions, and inclusive economic development, while upholding international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
The dialogue marks a continued institutional follow-up to the 2023 roadmap and the 2025 summit, with no new concrete measures announced. The next high-level dialogue is expected to take place in 2027.