FM Saidov, EU’s new special envoy discuss expanding regional cooperation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, met on May 12 with the newly appointed European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais.

“We are pleased to welcome H.E. Eduards Stiprais, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan today,” the minister wrote on his official Telegram channel. “The recent Central Asia–European Union Summit in Samarkand once again highlighted the tremendous potential of our partnership, which we can harness for the benefit of people in both regions.”
During the meeting, the two sides discussed all aspects of their dynamically evolving relationship — from education to green energy — as well as current regional and global issues. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to further expanding the scope of cooperation.
Eduards Stiprais is an experienced Latvian diplomat. He has previously served as Latvia’s Permanent Representative to the European Union and as the Political Director and Deputy State Secretary at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 2016 to 2020, he headed the EU Delegation (Embassy) in Uzbekistan.
On March 1, 2025, Stiprais succeeded Terhi Hakala, who held the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia from 2021 until the end of 2024.
The new EU Special Representative’s primary mandate is to strengthen relations with Central Asian countries based on shared values, promote regional stability and cooperation, and support democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Recommended
List of streets and intersections being repaired in Tashkent published
SOCIETY | 19:12 / 16.05.2024
Uzbekistan's flag flies high on Oceania's tallest volcano
SOCIETY | 17:54 / 15.05.2024
New tariffs to be introduced in Tashkent public transport
SOCIETY | 14:55 / 05.05.2023
Onix and Tracker cars withdrawn from sale
BUSINESS | 10:20 / 05.05.2023
Latest news
-
UN labels Gulnara Karimova’s detention unlawful, Uzbekistan disputes allegations
POLITICS | 21:53
-
Speeding fines and traffic penalties to be toughened under new rules
POLITICS | 18:59
-
Uzbekistan launches national program to improve road safety and reduce fatalities
SOCIETY | 17:24
-
Authorities bust criminal gang extorting money at Tashkent’s Farhod auto market
SOCIETY | 17:22
Related News

11:27 / 08.07.2025
Uzbekistan's first ambassador to Serbia begins official duties

15:16 / 07.07.2025
Uzbekistan becomes a BRICS partner country

19:04 / 04.07.2025
Shavkat Mirziyoyev holds talks with Shehbaz Sharif, discusses strengthening Uzbekistan-Pakistan strategic partnership

11:49 / 04.07.2025