16.01.2024

On January 16, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation of the European Union headed by Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas.

At the beginning of the meeting, the High Representative of the European Union congratulated President Mirziyoyev on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and Uzbekistan and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

Discussions focused on the further development of the multi-faceted partnership with the EU.

The noticeable intensification of cooperation in recent years was noted with satisfaction. Successful visits have taken place, including the visit of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, to Uzbekistan, two meetings between the leaders of Central Asian states and the European Union, and the Samarkand Conference on Connectivity. The joint roadmap for deepening EU-Central Asia relations is being implemented and work is underway to hold the first Central Asia-EU Summit in Uzbekistan.

A major investors' forum aimed at strengthening transport and communications links between the two regions will be held in Brussels at the end of January.

The volume of mutual trade between Uzbekistan and EU countries is growing dynamically, having increased by 30% last year. Major investment projects in high-tech sectors of the economy are being implemented with the participation of leading European companies. The validity of the trade preferences granted by the EU to Uzbekistan has been extended.

There was also an exchange of views on current regional issues, in particular the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.