State Secretary Hans Winkler will be taking part in the third regional political dialogue between the European Union and the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Almaty on Friday, 7 April in his capacity as representative of the Council Presidency. Winkler will also be meeting the Deputy Foreign Ministers present for bilateral talks.
“Closer cooperation between Central Asian countries is a key element for regional stability and the economic and social development of each individual country. Many of the problems facing these countries can be solved only at a regional level. This also includes those areas in which the EU is greatly interested”, said the State Secretary as he left for Almaty.
Therefore, the talks will focus on the importance of regional and economic cooperation between the Central Asian republics, facilitation of cross-border traffic, cooperation with Afghanistan, energy and environmental policy, human rights and the strengthening of democracy, as well as the fight against terrorism and drugs and people trafficking.
The EU supports numerous programmes to improve border management between the countries in a bid to strengthen regional cooperation. The aim of the EU Border Management Programme for Central Asia (BOMCA) is to ease cross-border traffic and strengthen interregional trade. A further decisive factor for stability and peace is a working cooperation with regard to sustainable management of the jointly administered waters. “The supply of water, particularly clean drinking water, is one of the key development issues. As the leading donor of development aid worldwide, the European Union is making an important contribution with its know-how and financial support”, said Winkler.
Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Press department
Tel.: +43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: +43 (0) 50 1159-213
abti3@bmaa.gv.at
http://www.aussenministerium.at
Email Service
Accreditation
Hotel Reservation
Route Planner
Weather