Von der Leyen: «Together, we are making history at the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan»
Speech by European President at the plenary session of the first EU-Central
Asia Summit
Samarkand, 4 April 2025
President Mirziyoyev,
President Costa,
Presidents,
It was a great explorer of the past who said ‘travel leaves you speechless'. That was after his visit to Samarkand. For more than a thousand years this city has been the beating heart of Central Asia, the hub of a vast trading network. Over the centuries Samarkand has witnessed new partnerships and new friendships. So it is a privilege to be here for the first Summit between Central Asia and the European Union, marking a new chapter in our long-standing friendship.