President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan took part in the Central Asia–Italy summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 30. The high-level gathering, chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, brought together regional leaders including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan.
The summit focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation between Central Asia and Italy, with particular emphasis on investment, technology, green energy, education, and cultural exchange.
In his address, President Mirziyoyev described the summit as a continuation of the strategic partnership dialogue launched at the Central Asia–European Union summit in Samarkand earlier this year. He stressed the importance of deepening practical cooperation based on the industrial, technological, and intellectual strengths of the participating countries.
“The Uzbek side is determined to develop productive practical cooperation in this format, taking into account, first of all, the technological, industrial and intellectual potential of our countries,” President Mirziyoyev voiced.
The Uzbek leader proposed establishing regular consultations among foreign ministries to coordinate approaches on pressing global and regional issues. He also called for enhanced cooperation between security services to combat terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration through structured information-sharing mechanisms.
Ties & Collaboration
President Mirziyoyev highlighted the rapid growth of trade and investment between Uzbekistan and Italy, which has tripled in recent years. Successful technology partnerships with leading Italian firms are currently underway.
To institutionalize economic dialogue, he proposed creating a “Central Asia–Italy Business Club” under the chambers of commerce, facilitating annual business forums in both Central Asia and Italy.
He also advocated for a multilateral Industrial and Technological Cooperation Program, focused on technology transfer, the development of high-tech industries, and the localization of production. Priority areas include processing of mineral and agricultural resources, and the manufacturing of modern industrial equipment.
As part of these efforts, Uzbekistan is currently setting up a special industrial park in the Tashkent region, managed by a European operator, to host regionally significant projects.
He emphasized the potential role of Italian institutions such as SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds, in financing these initiatives.
Green Energy and Sustainability
President Mirziyoyev called for a comprehensive partnership on green transformation, proposing the creation of a multilateral platform to support national carbon reduction programs.
Uzbekistan is open to renewable energy projects, including green energy exports to the EU, energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and development of hydrogen technologies. He also stressed modernizing water infrastructure with Italian expertise.
“With the involvement of Italy’s leading manufacturers and engineering companies, we are ready to implement projects in renewable energy, including the supply of "green" energy to the European Union, audit and improvement of energy efficiency of enterprises, modernization of water infrastructure facilities and development of hydrogen technologies,” head of the state noted
Enhancing Education, Science, and Culture
Recognizing the active presence of Turin Polytechnic and Pisa University branches in Tashkent, the President proposed forming a “Central Asia–Italy” scientific and educational consortium.
The initiative would support academic exchange, research, and training in fields such as engineering, design, biotechnology, and water conservation.
Mirziyoyev also proposed forming a tourism alliance to develop joint products and services, tapping into the growing interest in Central Asian culture seen in Italy. He suggested hosting a creative economy and youth cultural forum in the historic city of Khiva in 2026.
The summit concluded with statements from all participating leaders and the adoption of a Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment to deepening ties across multiple sectors.
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