Kyrgyzstan and the European Union (EU) signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Brussels, on June 25. The signing ceremony was part of the working visit of President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan to Belgium.
The European Union highlighted that the EPCA will establish a “new legal basis” to foster deeper collaboration in various sectors.
“These areas include trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, environment and climate change, as well as the rule of law, human rights and civil society,” the EU stated.
Furthermore, the agreement will bolster cooperation in foreign and security policy, encompassing conflict prevention, crisis management, risk reduction, cybersecurity, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, and export controls.
The newly signed EPCA replaces the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), reflecting the evolving and expanding nature of the partnership between Kyrgyzstan and the EU. The EU anticipates that this agreement will create substantial opportunities for businesses and investors from both regions. Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis noted that the EPCA will facilitate trade flows, thus creating more opportunities for economic engagement.
Among the Central Asian nations, Kazakhstan has also established an expanded partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU. This trend of strengthening ties with the European Union is indicative of the region's growing inclination towards deeper integration with European economic and political structures.
Uzbekistan, another key player in Central Asia, initialed its Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (CPFA) with the EU in July 2022. Earlier this year, both Uzbekistan and the EU expressed their eagerness to finalize and sign the agreement as soon as possible.
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