Leaders of Uzbekistan and the EU advocated for a radical expansion of economic cooperation

On April 3, on the sidelines of the Samarkand summit, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are visiting our country.

The issues of further development and deepening of Uzbek-European multifaceted cooperation, primarily in the trade, economic and investment spheres, were thoroughly discussed.

Active contacts and productive exchanges at various levels, effective work within the framework of institutional mechanisms of practical interaction were emphasized with particular satisfaction. An Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation is being prepared for signing.

The trade turnover of Uzbekistan with the EU countries is growing dynamically. The portfolio of investment projects with leading European companies exceeds 30 billion euros. Our country is a major beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a regional representative office of the European Investment Bank is opening in Tashkent.

The heads of the main EU institutions highly appreciated and expressed strong support for the ongoing economic reform program to build a New Uzbekistan, as well as the policy to strengthen good-neighborliness, trust and partnership in Central Asia.

During the talks, the main focus was on promoting joint programs and cooperation projects in the field of innovation, green energy, extractive industries, agriculture, transport, logistics, digitalization and other areas.

The importance of continuing active exchanges in the field of tourism, culture, science, education and healthcare was noted.

The agenda of the upcoming first summit at the highest level in the Central Asia - European Union format and the prospects for strengthening the interconnectedness of the two regions within the framework of the European strategy "Global Gateway" were discussed.

An exchange of views also took place on current aspects of international and regional policy, including the issue of promoting the socio-economic development of Afghanistan.