Borrell: EU supports creation of new transport corridors bypassing Russia
The European Union plans to expand economic co-operation with Central Asia, and new transport corridors are expected to be built bypassing Russia – as stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, TASS reports
According to Mr. Borrell, Russia and China continue to play an important role in Central Asia. At the same time, the countries of this region are striving to diversify trade and foreign policy relations, viewing the EU as the most suitable partner. In turn, the European Union, is interested in ‘taking advantage of these changes’.
"We must deepen our ties with the region, use its huge potential, which is represented in energy supplies, deliveries of critical raw materials and new transport corridors that do not depend on Russia," he posted in his blog, explaining that he had the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route in mind. The development of the latter was discussed during Mr. Borrell’s recent visit to Kazakhstan.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also called the European Union one of the main trade and investment partners of Central Asia.
"Over the past ten years, the EU has invested more than 100bn Euros in the region, which makes us the largest source of foreign direct investment – far ahead of Russia and China," he added.
