Uzbekistan and EU Discuss Key Areas of Cooperation

On April 3, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during the Samarkand Summit.

The further development and deepening of multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU, with a particular focus on trade, economic, and investment areas, were discussed, The Caspian Post reports citing UzA.

Active contacts and productive exchanges at various levels were highlighted with exceptional satisfaction, as well as the effective work being carried out through institutional mechanisms of practical interaction. Preparations are underway for the signing of an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with EU countries is growing dynamically. The portfolio of investment projects involving leading European companies exceeds €30 billion. Uzbekistan is a primary beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a regional office of the European Investment Bank is being opened in Tashkent.

The heads of the EU’s key institutions highly praised and expressed strong support for Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic reform agenda aimed at building a New Uzbekistan, as well as the country’s policies promoting good neighborliness, mutual trust, and partnership in Central Asia.

During the talks, special attention was given to advancing joint programs and cooperation projects in areas such as innovation, green energy, the extractive industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, digitalization, and other key sectors.

The importance of continuing active exchanges in tourism, culture, science, education, and healthcare was also emphasized.

The parties discussed the agenda of the upcoming first high-level “Central Asia - European Union” summit and prospects for enhancing connectivity between the two regions within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

Views were exchanged on pressing issues of international and regional policy, including support for Afghanistan’s socio-economic development.