President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Samarkand on April 2, to participate in the highly anticipated First Central Asia - European Union Summit. The summit, aimed at strengthening ties between the two regions, saw a series of high-level bilateral talks on April 3. Multilateral discussions involving the leaders of Central Asia and key European Union institutions will continue on April 4.
The business program began with a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The leaders discussed expanding the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the EBRD, which has seen notable growth, with investments exceeding €5bn. Emphasis was placed on sectors like small and medium-sized business development, support for women’s and youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable projects in the green economy and digitalization.
Later that day, President Mirziyoyev held discussions with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. The talks focused on deepening trade, economic, and investment relations, with agreements on enhanced partnership and cooperation set to be signed. The opening of the European Investment Bank’s regional office in Tashkent was also a key highlight, signaling a commitment to fostering further collaboration in areas such as green energy, innovation, and infrastructure development.
In a symbolic gesture of growing Uzbek-European cooperation, the leaders participated in a tree planting ceremony, planting two oak trees at the Congress Center in Samarkand.
Additionally, President Mirziyoyev held bilateral meetings with the leaders of neighboring Central Asian countries. Head of the state met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, discussing enhanced trade and strategic cooperation in energy, transport, and agriculture. Relations between the two countries have been strengthened with the establishment of a border trade zone and rising trade turnover, surpassing $1.1bn in 2024.
With President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Mirziyoyev stressed the productive outcomes of the recent trilateral meeting in Khujand, where a historic agreement on state border demarcation was reached. Both leaders committed to accelerating cooperation in industry, transport, and energy projects.
Further talks were held with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, where the leaders celebrated the successful resolution of border issues and emphasized accelerating economic and trade projects. Cooperation between the two countries is set to grow, with ongoing discussions to implement high-level agreements.
President Mirziyoyev also met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, focusing on boosting the strategic partnership and trade, particularly through the launch of the International Industrial Cooperation Center. The two leaders agreed to intensify efforts on joint projects, particularly in the fields of economy and humanitarian programs.
The summit continues to set the stage for enhanced cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union, with the goal of fostering economic growth, regional stability, and sustainable development in both regions.
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