You're reading: Ashton urges Central Asian states to do more to strengthen regional security

BISHKEK - The European Union remains adherent to the strategy of cooperation with Central Asian countries, said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

Various spheres of cooperation remain of great importance to the EU,
including diligent governance, economic development, trade, investment,
energy, transport and work to deal with common threats and challenges,
she said at an EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting in Bishkek on
Tuesday.

Aston also said that the Central Asian countries should expand the
scope of work in the security sphere where the challenges and tasks are
common. The ministerial meeting is to address security matters and the
situation in Afghanistan and Iran, she said. Iran is a mighty state in
the region, Ashton said.

Relations between the EU and Central Asia have become stronger over the past five years, she said.