Euronews CEO Claus Strunz has said that Europe should take a closer look at Central Asia as the region’s global importance continues to grow.

Speaking at the International Media Forum “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective - New Discoveries” in Tashkent and Samarkand, Strunz highlighted the need to strengthen ties between Europe and Central Asia, according to 24.kg.

He noted that Central Asia was largely absent from the Western media agenda during the 1980s, when coverage of the region mainly focused on security issues and emergencies.

Strunz said that the situation had changed significantly, with Central Asia’s history and growing importance becoming part of the modern global agenda. He added that Europe should pay closer attention to Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.