Uzbekistan interested in expanding partnership with EAEU - Mirziyoyev

TASHKENT. May 13 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan is interested in expanding practical partnership with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and would welcome the drafting of a joint action plan between its government and the Eurasian Economic Commission, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

"Uzbekistan is interested in expanding practical partnership and more active involvement in implementing multilateral projects promoting industry-specific interaction in strategic areas of the EAEU's development," official Uzbek media quoted Mirziyoyev as saying at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Union last Thursday.

Mirziyoyev proposed drafting a new comprehensive medium-term action plan for the Uzbek government and the Eurasian Economic Commission.

"We are confident that the soonest possible adoption of a mechanism regulating full-scale involvement of observer states in projects would facilitate the effective implementation of this document," Mirziyoyev said.

Uzbekistan stands ready to work together to eliminate barriers and restrictions in trade with EAEU countries and continue a dialogue on developing the North-South transport corridor towards markets in South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, he said.

"In this respect, we welcome productive outcomes of a first meeting between the heads of transport agencies for the development of a multi-modal route linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which took place in the city of Termez at the end of April," he said.

Mirziyoyev particularly highlighted the importance of broader cooperation with the EAEU on the Eurasian Agroexpress project, the implementation of green and water-saving technologies, the establishment of joint agro-industrial clusters and logistical centers, the development of common approaches, and close cooperation in addressing the implications of climate change.