Brussels, 29/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - Visiting Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, the EU troika, led by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier argued for increased cooperation with the countries of the region, particularly in energy. Following a meeting with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Mr Steinmeier said that “the time is ripe for comprehensive cooperation”, and he confirmed that the German presidency intended to present its draft strategy for Central Asia at the next European Council in June. “The EU aims to diversify its energy policy,” he told press, and he went on: “It is necessary to increase our contacts with Central Asia”. Mr Steinmeier was more cautious when speaking about the democratisation of the countries of the region, where human rights organisations indicate there has been little progress. “It's in our interest that the Central Asian countries take a path to be peaceful, democratic and prosperous states,” he said on an issue that will certainly be raised during the process of strengthening EU-Central Asia relations. (ab)