EU-TÜRKİYE COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLOSER COOPERATION IN THE REGION

Author : Turgut Kerem Tuncel
Date : 2022
Language : English

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In times of growing geopolitical competition and in the search for alternative energy suppliers, Central Asia is increasingly gaining global interest and importance. In recent years, the region has become crucial for security and stability. Türkiye has been strengthening its ties with Central Asia based on deep-rooted connections. These ties were recently cemented with the inauguration of the Organization of Turkic States, further institutionalizing Türkiye’s relations with Central Asia. Meanwhile, the European Union updated its Central Asia Strategy in 2019 and underlined its recognition of the strategic importance of Central Asia.

At the conference titled “EU-Turkey Cooperation in Central Asia – Challenges and Opportunities for Closer Cooperation in the Region” held on May 13th 2022 in Ankara, Türkiye, researchers and diplomats from Türkiye, EU and Central Asian countries discussed what synergies can be utilized between the European Union and Türkiye and what the prospects are for closer cooperation.

This report contains the summary of the opening remarks, keynote speeches, and the presentations delivered during the conference, as well as an overview of the commonly underlined points regarding EU-Türkiye Cooperation in Central Asia.