EU, Central Asia countries hold dialogue on political, security issues

The third High Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Central Asian countries was held here on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS),the meeting was held at the level of deputy foreign ministers and chaired by Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs of the EEAS.

The meeting followed-up on the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, which took place in Astana on Dec. 21, 2015, with a focus inter alia on economic development and trade issues.

The participants exchanged views on a number of key issues of mutual relevance, including counter-terrorism, border management, CBRN, migration or regional connectivity, and how to further enhance concrete cooperation in these areas.

The meeting also served to prepare the upcoming Brussels Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, planned to be held in Brussels on Oct. 5, 2016, and to discuss opportunities for joint programs to enhance cross-border security and stability.

The officials also discussed on regional and international issues, including the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran and Syria.

Officials of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan attended the meeting. And as per the previous dialogue held last year in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Afghanistan official was also invited to participate. Endit