The Mission of Kazakhstan to the European Union co-hosted a gala reception at the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between the countries of Central Asia and the European Union, El.kz cites MFA.
The goal of the event entitled “Connecting along the Silk Road” was to showcase the rich and diverse cultures of Central Asia, as well as the dynamic relations between the two regions.
The idea of the Office of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia to host such an event was supported by and jointly realized together with the diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Brussels.
Senior officials and staff of key EU institutions, the media, as well as representatives of Central Asian diasporas took part in the event.
Opening the evening’s program, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, stated that the unity among the block’s member-states, as well as trusted relations in Central Asia, the friendship between our people make both sides stronger, while our common interests enhance the potential for their realization.
EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino warmly welcomed the guests celebrating the anniversary of diplomatic relations. “This long partnership between states of Central Asia and the EU offers solid basis and new opportunities. Looking forward to intensify our joint work and further deepening cooperation on common values and interests”, he emphasized on the occasion.
In their statements, the Central Asian ambassadors highlighted the importance of region-wide efforts to implement joint initiatives with the EU that could bring tangible benefits to the citizens of all our countries.
In his turn, Margulan Baimukhan, Head of Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the EU, noted that over the past three decades, all Central Asian countries and Kazakhstan in particular, have established strong and friendly relations with the European Union, based on mutual respect, trust and common goals. He drew attention to ever-growing level of political dialogue between the parties and noted that with its great potential, talented people and unique culture, the region of Central Asia has a strong interest to enhance its cooperation with the EU. “We have common goals, joint projects and sincere friendship that overcome the geographic distances,” he said.
The guests of the event could see the exhibition of photos, pictures, elements of national costumes, handicrafts from Central Asia. Young artists from the region presented to the audience a diverse musical heritage of Central Asia through contemporary and traditional pieces.
As part of the tradition of hospitality, the guests enjoyed dishes of national cuisines while exchanging views and plans in a friendly atmosphere for the upcoming period of cooperation between Central Asia and the EU.
The gala reception was a unique occasion to display convincingly, at the headquarters of the European diplomacy, the potential of Central Asia as an emerging trade, economic, and cultural hub on the routes of the ancient Silk Road that links the two continents.