EU envoy: Azerbaijan, Central Asia part of Europe’s security architecture

Countries such as Azerbaijan and the states of Central Asia are part of Europe’s security architecture, and cooperation with them in this sphere should continue, Eduards Stiprais, the European Union’s special representative for Central Asia, said at the Global Baku Forum.

Speaking at the 13th edition of the forum, Stiprais stressed that the countries of Central Asia play an important role for Europe in ensuring security, stability, and economic cooperation.

He noted that the Central Asian region is located at the centre of Eurasia and faces a range of external challenges, from security concerns to growing economic competition. According to him, these circumstances make it increasingly important for the countries of the region to strengthen cooperation both among themselves and with international partners.

Stiprais also highlighted environmental pressures as a major issue for the region. “Climate change and water resource management remain key challenges for the region. The issue of water distribution in Central Asia is one of the most sensitive and requires a joint approach and the rational use of resources,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova