Uzbek president hopes for prompt signing of agreement on expanded partnership, cooperation with EU
TASHKENT. Sept 20 (Interfax) - An agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation with the European Union needs to be signed soon, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a ceremony where Toivo Klaar, the new head of the EU delegation, handed over his credentials.
"The prompt signing of an agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation will further strengthen our relations," Mirziyoyev was quoted by his press service as saying.
The president said the European Union is a reliable and time-tested partner. He said Uzbekistan has established a strategic partnership with some European states, and trade with EU states increased by 30% last year.
Large joint projects on the green economy, alternative energy, high-tech industry, innovation, mineral resources, agriculture, the environment, and science and education are being implemented in Uzbekistan in collaboration with EU states, Mirziyoyev said.
"We intend to work with the European side in vital areas, such as intensifying political contacts, further open and constructive dialogue on human rights issues, and strengthening democratic institutions, the search for new 'points of growth' in the sphere of the economy, investment, transport and communications, [and] facilitating a visa regime for mutual visits by our citizens," he said.
The meeting's participants also mentioned expanding cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region. In this connection, Mirziyoyev said preparations are being made to hold the Central Asia - European Union summit in Samarkand next year, the press service aid.
The agreement on expanded partnership between Uzbekistan and the EU will replace the treaty on partnership and cooperation which has been effective since 1999. Talks on the new document have been held since 2019.