In his speech Ambassador Grewlich outlined major points regarding the strategy of the EU towards Central Asian countries, currently under preparation. As Ambassador noted, the new EU strategy will be based on three interlinked twined components: security/stability, rule of law and development. The European Union does not have geopolitical, power interests; it is a soft power, and is vitally interested in stability in Central Asia. As Ambassador noted, in contributing to long term stability in the region, the EU will strongly emphasize on educational projects.
The EU strategy for Central Asia needs to incorporate what Central Asian countries expect from the EU. In order to ensure that the new EU strategy covers important and relevant spheres, Central Asian countries should determine their national interests, decide how to use foreign assistance for national goals and clearly articulate them in meetings with colleagues from the EU, Ambassador Grewlich stressed.
Talking of regional affairs, Ambassador Grewlich said that the EU member-countries that managed to create supranational body while maintaining national sovereignty might be in a good position to advice Central Asian countries regarding regional integration. On a particular note, he suggested that Kyrgyzstan could initiate and host an international Water Academy, which would serve interests of all countries of the region. Such Academy could provide research, training for various water specialists and so on.
Responding to a question on current political processes in Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Grewlich noted that there is no single standard recipe for democratization. The European experience tells that rule of law should be established before democracy. Law should be the King, and not visa versa, according to Ambassador. Considering historical and cultural specifics, Kyrgyzstan should be able to develop its own form of democracy, Ambassador Grewlich said.
Participants of the discussion also touched on various issues in energy, cooperation in education, possible joint economic projects and others.
