President Mirziyoyev meets EU leaders to discuss strengthening economic cooperation

At the meeting, the parties discussed the issues of further developing and strengthening multi-dimensional cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union, particularly in the fields of trade, economy, and investment.

It was noted with particular satisfaction that active communication and fruitful exchanges at various levels, as well as effective work within the institutional mechanisms of practical cooperation, have been ongoing. A new partnership and cooperation agreement is being prepared for signing.

The volume of trade between Uzbekistan and European Union countries continues to grow. The portfolio of investment projects involving leading European companies exceeds 30 billion euros. Our country is a major beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and a regional office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) will soon open in Tashkent.

The leaders of the EU's main institutions highly appreciated the economic reform program being implemented to build New Uzbekistan, as well as the policy of strengthening good neighborliness, trust, and partnership in Central Asia, and expressed their strong support for these efforts.

The main focus of the negotiations was on advancing joint programs and cooperation projects in such areas as innovations, green energy, the mining sector, agriculture, transport, logistics, digitalization, and other sectors.

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

The agenda for the upcoming first high-level summit of the "Central Asia – European Union" format, as well as prospects for enhancing the interconnectedness of the two regions within the framework of the European Union’s "Global Gateway" strategy, were discussed.

The exchange of views also covered pressing issues in international and regional politics, including the topic of assisting Afghanistan's socio-economic development.