The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, welcomed a high-level delegation from the European Union led by Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, in Tashkent on January 16, the president’s press service reported. The meeting marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan.

In a cordial exchange, Vice President Schinas conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Chairman of the European Council, Charles Michel, to President Mirziyoyev. The discussions focused on the continuous expansion of the multilateral partnership between Uzbekistan and the EU.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the increased activity in cooperation over recent years. Notable events include the successful visit of the President of the Council of Europe, Charles Michel, to Uzbekistan, two meetings between the leaders of Central Asian countries and the European Union, and the successful Samarkand conference on interdependence.

The ongoing implementation of a joint "roadmap" aimed at expanding relations between the EU and Central Asia was highlighted. Furthermore, preparations for the first "Central Asia - EU" summit to be hosted in Uzbekistan were discussed during the meeting.

A significant upcoming event is the Europe-Central Asia Investors Forum scheduled for the end of January in Brussels. The forum aims to enhance transport and communication interdependence between the two regions. Trade relations were also a key topic, with the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and EU countries increasing by 30% last year.

Major investment projects in high-tech sectors involving leading European companies are currently underway. The EU has extended the validity period of trade preferences for Uzbekistan. The leaders also discussed regional issues, including humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

EU-Uzbekistan Relations Overview

The European Union actively supports Uzbekistan's reform agenda through technical and financial assistance. The partnership covers a wide range of areas, including regional cooperation, security, human rights, media, environment and climate change, green transition, digitalization, and good governance. The existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) grants most-favored-nation treatment to both parties in various aspects, such as customs duties, taxes, and rules related to trade.

The EU is also providing technical assistance for Uzbekistan's application to accede to the World Trade Organisation.

Earlier Daryo reported that President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic met with Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas on January 15. The leaders discussed the robust and evolving cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union, covering interregional and bilateral domains. Topics included priority projects, investments, financing, banking relations, and regional security.

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