The recent ministerial meeting between Central Asian countries and G7 members marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration and addressing pressing regional and global challenges. Held in an online format, the meeting provided a platform for fruitful discussions on crucial topics such as regional security, economy, transport, energy, investment, environmental protection, water management, and tourism.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, who emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations and encouraging greater engagement of G7 economies in the Central Asian region. Vassilenko also underscored the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, highlighting its ability to connect key industrial centers in Europe and Asia.
Addressing the paramount need for joint action in tackling modern global and regional challenges, Vassilenko outlined Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing climate emergencies, food crises, water issues, and saving the Aral Sea. Kazakhstan’s ambitious goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 were also highlighted. Furthermore, Vassilenko urged his counterparts to support Kazakhstan’s initiatives, including the establishment of a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, as well as participation in the UN-sponsored Regional Climate Summit to be held in Kazakhstan in 2026.
Notably, the representatives of Central Asian countries expressed their keen interest in enhancing cooperation across prioritized areas that hold immense potential for regional development. The commitment to further dialogue in this format was unambiguously declared—a testament to the shared desire for strengthened collaboration.
In response, G7 foreign ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Central Asian states in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Appreciating the ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between individual G7 members and Central Asian nations, they called for an expansion and deepening of collaboration in vital areas such as security, infrastructure development, trade, and economy.
Connectivity emerged as a crucial aspect, as the participants acknowledged the mutual interest in leveraging improved connectivity. In this regard, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), a significant G7 initiative aimed at attracting $600 billion for infrastructure projects worldwide by 2027, was highlighted as a framework through which regional projects could be developed. The delegates engaged in a substantial exchange of views on the implications of geopolitical turbulence for Central Asian countries, focusing on challenges arising from global instability and disruptions in supply chains, and explored approaches to overcome these obstacles.
The ministerial meeting served as a remarkable platform for Central Asian countries and G7 members to foster cooperation and address common concerns. The commitment to upholding the UN Charter, the acknowledgment of existing collaborations, and the shared vision for future development reinforce the significance of such dialogues.
Going forward, it is essential for both Central Asian countries and G7 members to capitalize on the momentum generated by this meeting. By leveraging their collective strengths, they can work towards sustainable development, regional security, enhanced connectivity, and a resilient global economy in the best interests of all stakeholders involved.
Market Capital Research 