Uzbek President Supports Stronger Partnership with EU in Science, Economy, and Politics
During the first “Central Asia–European Union” summit on April 4, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced a series of new initiatives aimed at bolstering cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening political dialogue and establishing robust legal and institutional frameworks for multilateral cooperation, President Mirziyoyev proposed the development and adoption of a comprehensive action plan to implement the provisions of the strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union.
To ensure alignment on key international and regional issues, the President of Uzbekistan suggested the organization of regular meetings of foreign affairs ministers, the enhancement of inter-parliamentary relations through the launch of a “Central Asia–European Union” inter-parliamentary cooperation forum, and the expansion of collaboration among leading think tanks.
Additionally, President Mirziyoyev introduced the idea of launching an investment platform to support large regional projects in areas such as “green” energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture. He also proposed signing a multilateral agreement on investment protection and promotion, establishing a joint “Central Asia–European Union” Chamber of Commerce, and adopting a regional program to support small and medium-sized enterprises and women’s entrepreneurship projects.
In order to enhance scientific and educational cooperation with Central Asian countries, President Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to open a representative office of the “Horizon Europe” program and suggested introducing special quotas under the “Erasmus+” program for training highly qualified specialists from the region.
Furthermore, the president recommended the development of a joint program for scientific and technological exchange in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, digitalization, and space research. These initiatives represent a significant step towards deepening collaboration between Central Asia and the European Union.
