Mogherini: Adoption of new EU-CA Engagement Strategy is important for partnership

Brussels, June 19, 2019. /Kabar/. Federica Mogherini, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on June 17 made an official statement on occasion of the European Council’s approval of the new European Union (UN)-Central Asian countries Engagement Strategy.
"The adoption of the new Strategy is evidence to the growing importance of the region and the closer cooperation with the EU. The Strategy focuses on two main pillars: sustainability and prosperity, which we have identified with all interested sides in your countries, including civil society. We intend to support all efforts of the Central Asian countries to develop their regional cooperation," she said.
Mogherini will participate in the ministerial conference of the heads of foreign ministers of the countries of Central Asia in Bishkek.
"I will soon visit the region - my fourth visit as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security and Vice-President of the European Commission. I will have the opportunity to discuss the implementation of the Strategy with the five foreign ministers. If we do this together, we can bring tangible benefits to citizens in the region and in the EU: a stronger and more diverse economy, a greater role for civil society, more opportunities for students and academics to study Europe, a better climate for foreign investment," she said.
Mogherini stressed that she reviews Central Asia as a region that demands more from the EU. "We are happy to respond to this demand. We are reliable partners who have no other agenda but cooperation and sustainable development in both rural and urban areas, social mobility, reducing inequalities, strengthening trade relations and strengthening human rights and the rule of law. We cooperate with the countries of Central Asia and the region as a whole because our cooperation is mutually beneficial. The adoption of the new EU strategy is an important moment for our partnership," the EU High Representative concluded.