30.05.2025

On May 30, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the “Central Asia-Italy” summit in the city of Astana.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Issues of further development of multifaceted cooperation between Central Asian countries and Italy were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the development of partnership in the areas of investment and technology, “green” economy, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State emphasized that the Uzbek side considers this event in the context of the agreements on strategic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy reached in April this year at the summit in Samarkand.

The spirit for the development of productive practical interaction in this format, considering primarily the technological, industrial and intellectual potential of our countries, was noted.

The demand for a platform for multilateral dialogue with Italy is also growing given the current realities of global and regional political trends and the intensification of common challenges to security and progress. 

At the same time, the centuries-old history of trade and cultural relations between the region and Italy serves as a solid foundation for a full-fledged partnership at a new stage.

Turning to the issues on the agenda, the President of Uzbekistan presented his vision of the priorities of interaction in the “Central Asia-Italy” format.

First of all, the importance of maintaining regular contacts at the level of foreign ministries was emphasized to coordinate approaches on a range of topical international issues. It was also proposed to launch working mechanisms of multilateral partnership and exchange of information of special services in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

In the economic sphere, the leader of our country noted with satisfaction the three-fold growth of trade turnover and investments between Uzbekistan and Italy in recent years. Technological cooperation projects with leading Italian companies are being successfully implemented.

Given the traditionally strong position of Italy's business community in the country's innovative development, it was proposed to launch a permanent platform for business dialogue - the “Central Asia-Italy” Business Club under the auspices of the chambers of commerce and industry of our countries. Such meetings with wide participation of entrepreneurs will be held annually in the capitals of the countries of the region and Italy. 

The President of Uzbekistan also noted the importance of developing and adopting a comprehensive multilateral Program of Industrial and Technological Cooperation, providing for the formation of favorable conditions for technology transfer, introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, creation of high-tech industrial facilities.

It was emphasized that given the current successful experience, the priority areas of cooperation could be deep processing of mineral resources and agricultural raw materials; production of modern equipment for electrical, chemical, textile, leather, food and other processing industries; localization of components and industrial goods; creation of design centers with leading Italian brands.

The Head of our state stated that a special industrial park under the management of a European operator is being created in Tashkent region to implement projects of regional importance.

At the same time, the importance of involving Italian state agencies SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds to support cooperation projects was noted.

Highly appreciating the fruitful cooperation with Italy in the sphere of “green” transformation, the leader of Uzbekistan called for the development of a full-scale partnership by launching a multilateral platform to facilitate the implementation of national decarbonization programs. 

Readiness was expressed to implement projects in the field of renewable energy, including the supply of “green” energy to the EU countries, auditing and improving energy efficiency of enterprises, modernization of water infrastructure facilities and development of hydrogen technologies with the involvement of leading Italian manufacturers and engineering companies.

Noting the fruitful activity of branches of Turin Polytechnic and Pisa Universities in Tashkent, the Head of our state welcomed the interest of other leading Italian universities in the region.

The President of Uzbekistan proposed an initiative to establish a scientific and educational Consortium “Central Asia - Italy” to conduct and finance scientific developments, academic exchange programs and personnel training in such areas as engineering, design, water-saving and biotechnologies. 

Interest was expressed in launching a tourism alliance to establish partnerships between leading operators and create joint tourism products.

The great interest of the Italian public in exhibitions and cultural events held in Rome and Florence was noted with satisfaction.

In this context, it was proposed to organize a Youth forum of creative economy and cultural exchange of the countries of the region and Italy in Khiva next year.

Heads of Central Asian states and Prime Minister of Italy also addressed the summit. A Joint Statement was adopted as a result of the event.