Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on May 28-29, 2025. Originally planned for April 25-26, the visit was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. This trip, now rescheduled a month later, will mark the first official visit to Uzbekistan by a head of the Italian government.
Following meetings in Samarkand, Giorgia Meloni is expected to proceed to Kazakhstan to participate in the inaugural “Central Asia - Italy” summit alongside the leaders of all five Central Asian countries. In light of these important upcoming events, it is worth analyzing the political and economic context of relations between Uzbekistan and Italy, the key agenda issues, the role of Samarkand as a diplomatic platform, and the significance of this visit for the region, the European Union, and Uzbekistan itself, The Caspian Post reports citing UzA.
Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and Italy
In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Italy have reached an unprecedentedly high level. In June 2023, negotiations were held in Rome between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, resulting in the signing of a Joint Declaration on establishing a strategic partnership. The Italian leader expressed full support for the course of the “New Uzbekistan” - the country’s wide-ranging democratic transformations and economic reforms - and emphasized confidence in their success. This new framework of relations is intended to give the cooperation a long-term, comprehensive character and align with both states’ fundamental interests.
The strategic status is reinforced by intensive, high-level dialogue. In autumn 2023, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, paid a return visit to Uzbekistan. During the talks held on November 10 in Tashkent, new agreements were signed to expand bilateral cooperation, and Italy expressed its support for Uzbekistan’s aspirations to join the World Trade Organization and to conclude an Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU. In this way, Rome supports Tashkent’s foreign policy course toward integration into the global economy and closer ties with the European Union.
Italy is viewed in Uzbekistan as an essential and reliable European partner. Over 31 years of diplomatic relations, the two sides have built a strong foundation for cooperation, and in recent years, contacts have noticeably intensified. There are active intergovernmental working groups on trade, economic, and industrial cooperation, commissions on export credits, and collaboration in combating organized crime and terrorism. The Italy - Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce operates successfully. Direct ties have been established between the parliaments (with an “Italy - Central Asia” friendship group operating), and interaction between ministries and business circles is expanding. This institutional framework allows for systematically advancing dialogue across various issues, from politics and security to economics and culture.
Cooperation Priorities
The main priority of the bilateral agenda remains to strengthen trade and economic cooperation. Over the past few years, the volume of mutual trade and investment has doubled, although in absolute terms, the trade turnover is still relatively modest. At the negotiations in Rome, the leaders set the goal of further expanding trade by utilizing the advantages of the GSP+ preferential regime for Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU and increasing the supply of modern machinery and technologies from Italy to meet the needs of Uzbekistan’s industries. Priority sectors for cooperation have been identified as energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information technology, metallurgy, construction materials, textiles, automobiles, agricultural processing, and even winemaking. Notably, at the Uzbekistan - Italy Business Forum in Milan in the summer of 2023, a package of investment agreements and trade contracts worth over 9 billion euros was signed - a record figure for the relations between the two countries.
A particular emphasis is placed on cooperation in green energy. Uzbekistan has embarked on a large-scale development of renewable sources - solar and wind energy - to ensure sustainable growth and fulfill its climate commitments. Italian companies are already involved in significant renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. During a meeting with the new Italian Ambassador, the Uzbek side highlighted the successful implementation of large projects with Italian companies in green energy, chemistry, engineering, light industry, agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors. As an industrially advanced country, Italy possesses cutting-edge green technologies that are in demand in Uzbekistan for modernizing the energy and industrial sectors. During the negotiations in Samarkand, the parties are expected to address the expansion of investments in solar and wind power plants, the introduction of energy-efficient solutions, and cooperation within the framework of global initiatives to combat climate change. These topics also fit into a broader context - the European Union is launching the Global Gateway program, which envisions multibillion-euro investments in sustainable infrastructure in Central Asia. Thus, the dialogue between Tashkent and Rome on the green agenda also contributes to advancing the sustainable development goals of the region.
Alongside the economy, significant areas of bilateral relations are education, culture, and humanitarian exchange. Branches of leading Italian universities - the Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa - operate successfully in Uzbekistan. These institutions are training specialists in industry and architecture, bringing Italian expertise in technical education. In 2024, the first-ever forum of leading universities from both countries was held to expand academic mobility and joint scientific research. Additionally, there is growing interest in learning the Italian language at Uzbekistan universities, while Italy, for its part, welcomes students from Uzbekistan through scholarship programs. Both countries view education as an investment in the future of their partnership.
Cultural ties have also intensified. Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and cooperation in this sphere is mutually beneficial. In 2024, Uzbekistan Cultural Days were successfully held in Rome and Viareggio, introducing Italian audiences to Uzbek art, music, and cinema. Uzbek folk and applied arts exhibitions are regularly organized in Italy, and conversely, masterpieces of Italian culture are displayed in museums across Uzbekistan. Italian restorers and archaeologists have been working in Uzbekistan for many years. Notably, an Italian archaeological mission operates in Samarkand, excavating and restoring ancient monuments. Such projects not only help preserve sites of global significance but also serve as a bridge of friendship between people.
Particular attention is given to expanding humanitarian exchange. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership emphasizes the development of contacts in culture and the arts, organizing cultural events and festivals, and exchanging expertise in preserving historical and architectural heritage. The teaching and promotion of the two countries’ languages are encouraged - the number of Italian language courses is growing in Uzbekistan, while interest in studying the Uzbek language is increasing in Italy. Tourism exchanges are also expanding: direct flights have been launched, stimulating the growth of tourist flows. This creates a solid foundation for mutual understanding and people-to-people diplomacy, complementing the official political and business ties.
Samarkand - New Diplomatic Hub of Central Asia
The choice of the ancient city of Samarkand as the venue for Giorgia Meloni’s talks with the Uzbekistan leadership is no coincidence. Today, this legendary city of the Great Silk Road is emerging as the diplomatic capital of the New Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is deliberately promoting Samarkand as a site for major international events, seeking to leverage its historical charm and modern infrastructure to strengthen the country’s image on the global stage.
With its 2,750-year history, Samarkand has long been a center of trade, science, and diplomacy, where cultures, peoples, and ideas met. “Today, it is once again becoming a platform where Europe and Central Asia can discuss the key challenges of our time”, President Mirziyoyev noted in an interview with Euronews.
The city holds special symbolism: from here, in the late 14th century, the ruler Amir Temur (Tamerlane) actively established contacts with European monarchs to ensure free trade between East and West. Today, Samarkand revives its unique role in international affairs, multiplying its diplomatic legacy in a new format. In Uzbek rhetoric, the term “Samarkand Spirit” has even emerged - a unique concept that envisions the world as united and indivisible, serving as the foundation for shaping a new model of international cooperation.
Samarkand has hosted a series of major forums and summits in recent years. In September 2022, it was the venue for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, bringing together leaders from 14 Eurasian countries. In November 2022, it hosted the summit of the Organization of Turkic States. In April 2025, it held the first-ever in-person summit between the leaders of the five Central Asian countries and the European Union leadership. At this historic Central Asia - EU summit, the parties launched a new format of strategic partnership and announced the European investment package Global Gateway, amounting to €12 billion for the region, aimed at developing green energy, transportation, and digital projects. Thus, the ancient city has once again found itself at the center of major diplomacy, becoming a place where East and West unite to discuss common challenges and avenues for cooperation.
Holding the Uzbekistan - Italy negotiations specifically in Samarkand underscores the Italian side’s special respect for Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage. It is expected that, in addition to official meetings, Giorgia Meloni will have the opportunity to visit Samarkand’s famous landmarks - Registan Square, the Gur-Emir and Shah-i-Zinda mausoleums - to personally experience the “Samarkand Spirit”. Previously, during President Mattarella’s visit, the Italian delegation had already toured Samarkand and highly praised the work of Italian archaeologists at the excavation sites. Italy has traditionally shown great interest in preserving Central Asian monuments, and joint cultural efforts in Samarkand represent yet another layer of bilateral cooperation. Samarkand will offer guests from Rome a modern Congress Center and top-level negotiation facilities, while also showcasing the achievements of the New Uzbekistan in developing tourism and business infrastructure.
Regional and European Significance of the Visit
Giorgia Meloni’s visit goes beyond bilateral relations, reflecting a broader trend of Europe’s increased attention toward Central Asia. Italy has become the initiator of the new “Italy - Central Asia (5+1)” dialogue format. Rome has long supported the EU’s Central Asia Strategy (adopted in 2007 and updated in 2019). Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy recently established the position of Special Representative for the Central Asian region, underscoring the strategic importance of this direction in Italy’s foreign policy. Since 2019, regular dialogue has been underway between the foreign ministries in the “1+5” format - meetings of the Italian foreign minister with the five Central Asian countries. These discussions address strengthening trade and energy ties, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. Now, in 2025, thanks to Rome’s efforts, this platform has been elevated to the highest level: the summit to be held on May 30 in Astana, with the participation of the Italian Prime Minister and the presidents of the Central Asian countries, will become the first event of its kind in the region’s history.
This new format represents an opportunity for Central Asia to diversify its external ties and attract additional investment and technologies from Europe. Amid geopolitical shifts, the region is gaining increasing interest from global players. Italy is signaling its attention to Central Asia, believing that the region, with its resources, industrial, and human potential, will play an increasingly important role in global supply chains and energy routes. Rome highlights the steady economic growth of Central Asian countries and their rich raw material base, which creates conditions for the development of industrial cooperation on an innovative foundation. At the same time, for Italy, as a member of the EU and the G7, Central Asia must develop stably and sustainably, remaining open to cooperation with the West. It is no coincidence that Italian Prime Minister Meloni has called for intensifying pan-European policy in the region and further developing the “Italy-Central Asia” cooperation format.
Meloni’s visit to Uzbekistan - the key link of her Central Asian tour - can potentially give new momentum to the EU’s overall relations with the region. As the most populous country in Central Asia and one undergoing major reforms, Uzbekistan is seen in Europe as a “gateway” and a reliable partner. In Brussels, it is acknowledged that EU engagement with Central Asia has reached a new level, as evidenced by the recent summit in Samarkand. Italy, for its part, can act as a “communicator” of Central Asian interests on the European stage. With its authority within the EU, Rome can convey the initiatives and aspirations of the region’s countries, including Uzbekistan, to Brussels and other European capitals. For example, Italy actively supports regional projects to improve transport connectivity between Europe and Asia and advocates for using Trans-Caspian routes, which could pass through Uzbekistan. In the energy sector, Rome is interested in expanding EU cooperation with Central Asia in the extraction and processing of critical raw materials and advancing renewable energy development.
Thus, the visit of the Italian Prime Minister benefits not only Tashkent but the entire region: it signals to investors and the international community the stability and openness of Central Asia to partnership. Against this backdrop, other EU countries are also increasing their engagement - the number of visits by European leaders to the region is growing. Thanks to its balanced diplomacy, Uzbekistan is successfully leveraging this attention, strengthening its role as a regional leader and conduit for Central Asia’s interests in dialogue with Europe.
Significance of the Visit for the New Uzbekistan
Giorgia Meloni’s visit holds great symbolic and practical importance for the Republic of Uzbekistan itself. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s strategy, launched after 2016, is aimed at the comprehensive modernization of the country, openness to the outside world, and the implementation of irreversible reforms. International support for these transformations is essential, and Italy’s position is especially noteworthy. Giorgia Meloni has expressed full support and confidence in the success of Uzbekistan’s democratic and economic reforms. Such a level of trust from the leader of a G7 country reflects recognition of the progress made by the New Uzbekistan on the international stage.
The high-level visit from Rome confirms that Tashkent’s policy of diversifying its foreign relations is bearing fruit. Just a few years ago, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with major Western democracies was limited, and official state visits were rare. Now, leaders of major powers are visiting Tashkent more frequently - in 2023, it was the German chancellor, and visits from the leaders of France and other EU countries are expected. The Italian Prime Minister, notably the first female head of government among them, will, through her visit, underscore that the renewed Uzbekistan is seen as a reliable and essential partner. Such contacts enhance the country’s investment attractiveness and political weight. As experts note, Uzbekistan’s stable GDP growth and emerging market are drawing the attention of European businesses, which see new opportunities for trade and investment.
Meloni’s visit will also serve as evidence of the strengthening of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty and the multi-vector nature of its foreign policy. Tashkent is demonstrating that it is ready to cooperate with the East and the West, adhering to good-neighborliness and mutual benefit. Italian support helps balance the influence of other major players - Russia and China - and integrates the New Uzbekistan into global economic chains on favorable terms. Moreover, as an influential member of the EU, NATO, the OSCE, and other organizations, Italy can help advance Uzbekistan’s initiatives on these international platforms. For example, Uzbekistan projects in regional integration, environmental protection (such as saving the Aral Sea), and the development of Afghanistan gain additional voices from Rome. In particular, during the upcoming talks in Samarkand, the sides are expected to discuss international issues, from the situation in Afghanistan, where Uzbekistan hosts a humanitarian hub in Termez, to joint efforts in combating transnational threats.
In summary, the upcoming visit of Giorgia Meloni to Uzbekistan, in the broadest sense, reflects a new era in the country’s trajectory. The New Uzbekistan, open to the world, is drawing the attention of distant partners who are ready to invest in its future. The talks in ancient Samarkand are intended to consolidate the achieved level of strategic partnership, define new economic projects - from green energy to industrial cooperation - and deepen exchanges between the two countries’ peoples. Tashkent and Rome’s diplomatic, constructive tone exemplifies balanced collaboration between East and West. The visit of the Italian Prime Minister will be a significant milestone both for bilateral relations and for all of Central Asia, underscoring the region’s aspiration for mutually beneficial partnership with the European Union in a spirit of trust and progress. Uzbekistan will strengthen its image as a modernizing nation, confidently entering the international arena with a new development course. All these factors allow for an optimistic outlook on the prospects that will open up for Tashkent and Rome following the meeting in Samarkand.
