EU commissioner for int'l partnerships to visit C. Asian countries on March 12-18European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela will visit all five Central Asian countries from March 12 to 18 in a bid to strengthen the EU's partnership with Central Asia, the EU Delegation to Tajikistan said in a statement.The visit will take place ahead of the EU-Central Asia summit and will scale up Global Gateway, the EU's investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth.Sikela said in the run-up to his visit that Central Asia is a reliable partner for the EU and the sides have a great potential for cooperation in the future."More than ever, current global challenges emphasize the need for solid partnerships and that is exactly what I aim to strengthen during my mission. My goal is to focus on key Global Gateway projects, which the EU and Central Asian partners are advancing together to create quality jobs, unlock new business opportunities, and improve essential services-from education to modern infrastructure," Sikela was quoted in the statement as saying.The commissioner's visit will focus on the main Global Gateway priorities in Central Asia, such as the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, water resources, the energy and climate sector, which includes the flagship project to support the construction of resilient infrastructure, to promote access to reliable, affordable and clean energy, the statement said.Several agreements are expected to be signed during the tour, which will start in Turkmenistan. The second stopover will be Kazakhstan.In Tajikistan, Sikela will attend several meetings with government leaders and will visit the Rogun Hydropower Plant. In Kyrgyzstan, he will discuss potential support for the construction of the Kambarata-1 HPP. The commissioner will conclude his visit in Uzbekistan, traveling to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX