A regular meeting of the Uzbekistan – EU Cooperation Council was held in Brussels

Yesterday, Brussels hosted the 16th meeting of the Cooperation Council “The Republic of Uzbekistan - the European Union”, which was attended by Uzbekistan delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov, reports “Dunyo” IA correspondent.

According to Uzbekistan MFA, the EU delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, Augusto Santos Silva, as Co-Chairman of the Council.

The European side welcomed the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan in the areas of justice, internal affairs, human rights and rule of law.

The parties exchanged views on the current state of Uzbekistan – European relations, the implementation of joint programs, new areas of cooperation, as well as the schedule of the upcoming meetings. The importance of the early completion of negotiations on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was noted.

The main attention was paid to the intensification of economic ties, including the elimination of trade barriers, the development of interregional connectivity, support for renewable energy, financial-technical assistance, promotion of tourist and educational exchanges.

The EU delegation highly appreciated Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, thanks to which an atmosphere of mutual understanding and good neighborliness has been formed in Central Asia. The readiness of the official Brussels to strengthen the interregional partnership in the EU – Central Asia format was confirmed.

Participants also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, as well as issues of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

A joint press conference was held following the negotiations.

“Dunyo” IA