Kazakhstan, best partner for EU in Central Asia

Photo by Derya Soysal

Turkmenistan, as a state with permanent neutrality status, is the only neutral country among the Turkic-speaking states. Moreover, the number of neutral countries in the world is already quite limited, writes Derya Soysal’s in an interview on Central Asia for the Kanal Avrupa channel in Germany.

How does Turkmenistan ensure peace in the region? There were issues and disputes regarding the status of the Caspian Sea—how did Turkmenistan resolve them? The country has made remarkable moves in this regard, as well as in Afghanistan.

Additionally, during the civil war in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan acted as a mediator, bringing together the Tajik opposition and the government to find a solution for peace. It has taken the initiative for peace in Central Asia.

Derya pointed out that Central Asia holds a central position in the world. Mackinder described this region as the “Heartland” of the world. As the global economy shifts eastward, Central Asia’s strategic location is becoming even more significant.

Moreover, she emphasized that since the Covid-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union has been turning towards Central Asia in search of partners rich in critical minerals and natural resources.

Finally, she highlighted that Central Asian countries are important partners for the European Union. She specifically mentioned that Europe is one of the main destinations for Kazakh exports and that Kazakhstan is an essential partner for France. She said that France is dependent on Kazakh uranium.

Additionally, she noted that Uzbekistan is undergoing significant liberal reforms and is attracting increasing amounts of foreign investment. Kazakhstan is one of Europe’s key partners. Moreover, by joining the Emission System Trade, Kazakhstan is following in Europe’s footsteps in terms of environmental standards. Not to mention the fact that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are essential partners for Europeans, given their possession of critical materials essential to the green transition.

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