Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov recently met with Toivo Klaar, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Uzbekistan, to explore avenues for collaboration on environmental initiatives.
Minister Abdukhakimov began by congratulating Ambassador Klaar on his new role and wished him success. The Minister also highlighted Uzbekistan's participation at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, where the National Pavilion of Uzbekistan attracted over 7,000 visitors.
Discussions focused on enhancing the partnership between Uzbekistan and the EU in environmental protection and the implementation of joint projects. Notably, the EU has provided €4mn in technical assistance for implementing the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions.
This support is vital for strengthening Uzbekistan's institutional capacity and ensuring compliance with GSP+ trade preferences.
"The EU's timely assistance significantly boosts our ability to meet global environmental standards," emphasized Minister Abdukhakimov.
The minister also acknowledged EU-backed efforts to rehabilitate former uranium sites in Charkesar and Yangiabad districts. A $9mn grant agreement between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of Ecology has furthered these reclamation projects.
Uzbekistan's government has launched several ambitious environmental initiatives, including establishing a Climate Council under the president, implementing the "Yashil Makon" (Green Nation) project, and planting forests over 2mn hectares at the dried Aral Sea bed.
Both parties expressed optimism about future joint projects, including Erasmus+, which has already contributed to Uzbekistan's educational transformation. They emphasized the importance of realizing the full potential of their partnership in addressing ecological challenges.
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