Message by Dimitris Avramopoulos on his participation in the High Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center in Tashkent, 20/8/2025

 

 

In Tashkent, at the High Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, I took part in a public, open discussion titled: “Connectivity between Central Asia and the European Union: The Role of the Middle Corridor.”

The panel included Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, former President of Latvia (1999–2007) and Co-Chair of NGIC; Mladen Ivanić, former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014–2018); and Boris Tadić, former President of Serbia (2004–2012).

The discussion was moderated by Eka Tkeshelashvili, former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010–2012).

Regarding the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), I stressed that it is not merely a transport corridor but a new strategic axis of cooperation linking Europe with Central Asia and reshaping the map of Eurasian connectivity. In an era of sweeping geopolitical realignments and uncertainty, it offers a safe and sustainable alternative for East–West trade, reducing dependencies and opening the way to shared growth and prosperity—particularly to Europe’s benefit.