As
I prepare my forthcoming trip to Central Asia, I realise the region is facing a
complex set of challenges that remain largely ignored in the European circles
of power. We still look at the region as an extension of the Russian sphere of
influence. And we keep away. We are convinced there is very little chance of a
triangular cooperation that would bring together the five countries of the
region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – plus
the EU and Russia.
That
might be the case for now. But it is the only path towards addressing the
issues and preventing them from getting worse. This includes issues related to the
expansion of faith-based extremism.
Cooperation
in the region is also critical for the future of Afghanistan. This country is
deeply linked to Central Asia and the strengthening of its economic and
security ties with the region would bring additional opportunities for
stability and growth in that part of the world.
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