At the same time the region is facing increasing and new challenges, notably as regards developments in Afghanistan, and security issues have come to fore in relations with the EU.
Samas seisab piirkond eelkõige seoses sündmustega Afganistanis silmitsi uute ja suuremate probleemidega, ning suhetes ELiga on esiplaanile tõusnud julgeolekuteema.