CHOLPON-ATA. June 2 (Interfax) - The leaders of Central Asian countries emphasized the importance of dialogue in conditions of the European Union's sanctions policy, a press communique issued following a Central Asia-EU summit said.
"The leaders stressed the importance of further expansion of mutual trade and investment mechanisms to advance socio-economic development of all parties. They also stressed the importance of close dialogue in the context of the EU's sanctions regimes," the statement, circulated by the Kyrgyz presidential press service on Friday, said.
The leaders reiterated their continued commitment to upholding the UN Charter, particularly the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries, non-use of force or threat of its use and peaceful settlement of international disputes.
European Council President Charles Michel, for his part, supported the efforts of the Central Asia countries aimed at ensuring prosperity, peace, sustainable development, good-neighborliness, trust and friendship in the region, also welcoming the strengthening of regional cooperation, the press service said.
The leaders agreed to meet on a regular basis, planning to hold their next meeting as a first summit next year. The Uzbek side has proposed to host the meeting in Uzbekistan.