Central Asia and EU to Become Strategic Partners – Mirziyoyev

At the end of the summit in Samarkand, the countries of Central Asia and the European Union will decide to establish a strategic partnership, announced Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The head of state proposed signing an agreement on partnership and cooperation between the regions. Central Asia also expressed interest in holding regular meetings at the Foreign Ministry level and organising an interparliamentary forum. Mirziyoyev suggested hosting the regional forum every two years.

The president also touched on economic cooperation. A presentation of Uzbekistan’s industrial park is planned for European investors. In addition, Tashkent is counting on signing an agreement on investment protection and promotion, as well as launching a joint chamber of commerce.

«We are ready to host the next economic forum and investors’ forum on transport connectivity in Uzbekistan,» Mirziyoyev said.

Furthermore, Tashkent is looking forward to opening an office for the «Horizon Europe» programme to boost scientific cooperation. Plans also include collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI).