President Mirziyoyev, thank you for organizing this conference,

Presidents,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are here because we acknowledge that climate change is real, human-made, and its up to all of us to tackle it. Both Central Asia and Europe are warming twice as fast as the rest of the world and already feel the impact. Here, between icy mountains and burning deserts, the threat of climate change is existential. Water levels have dropped to a quarter of what they were 50 years ago. This is the stark reality of climate change. Even if some countries choose to look away, protecting our nature must remain a top global agenda.

This conference is important for this reason. Today, Central Asia and Europe agreed to enter a new strategic partnership. Climate security and nature protection will be central. Europe wants to work with you on adapting to climate change. We are creating a new green belt in the Aral Sea basin and helping farmers adapt to a drier climate with technology that conserves water. Lets collaborate on innovative solutions for a changing climate.

Secondly, we can accelerate the global transition to clean energy together. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan have joined our global commitment to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. We launched the Global Energy Transition Forum to translate these goals into concrete projects. The European Union invests in clean energy in this region, such as the Rogun dam in Tajikistan. This benefits our energy independence, trade, and planet.

Finally, I see the clean transition not only as a moral responsibility but also as an economic opportunity. Central Asia holds a significant amount of critical raw materials. Europe wants to be your partner and build local value chains. We want to enhance your processing capacity and research facilities. This is the essence of the declaration of intent we endorse today.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Central Asia has strong ambitions in clean energy and technology. Europe wants to be your partner. Where there is mutual benefit, we are ready to collaborate with you. For these beautiful lands and a better planet. Its our responsibility, and we embrace it.

Thank you, and I wish you a great conference.