During the discussions, Charles Michel praised the current state of EU-Uzbekistan relations, noting significant advancements achieved through joint efforts in recent years. He commended President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s pragmatic and neighborly policies, emphasizing their role in fostering positive regional changes, promoting cohesion, and driving sustainable development across Central Asia.

Michel underscored that Uzbekistan’s engagement with the European Union has reached a new level of strategic collaboration. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of both Uzbekistan and the broader region.

Ambassador Gayrat Fozilov assumed his new position following his arrival in Brussels on December 5, 2023. With an extensive diplomatic background, Fozilov served as Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2021 to 2023.

He succeeds Dilyor Khakimov, who held the ambassadorship from 2017 to 2023. Khakimov’s tenure included overseeing Uzbekistan’s missions to the EU, NATO, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, based in Brussels.