Deeply rooted relations rapidly advancing

Following the Summit...
Another prestigious event recently took place in the city of Samarkand. The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, received global recognition for the ideas expressed and the initiatives put forward during the meeting.

As part of the summit, a series of multilateral events was held, with participation from senior officials of key institutions from Central Asian countries and the European Union. The discussions focused on the prospects for developing comprehensive relations and practical cooperation between the two regions, as well as exchanging views on pressing international and regional policy issues. The summit demonstrated that relations rooted in deep historical ties are evolving rapidly in response to today’s global realities.

We recorded the views of ministry officials on the expected outcomes of the summit.

Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

– The summit was filled with historic developments. On the same day, our President also took part in and delivered a speech at the Samarkand International Climate Forum. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that climate change issues are closely linked to food and energy security.

Given that the region’s population may exceed 100 million within the next twenty-five years, attention was drawn to the rapid decline in arable land. Today, more than 20 percent of the region’s total land area is subject to degradation. In a quarter of a century, crop yields could decrease by one-third. In this regard, the vital need was highlighted to consolidate our scientific potential to enhance the adaptability of the forestry and agricultural sectors, as well as to strengthen food security through the implementation of dedicated programs.

Our President once again clearly demonstrated that we are open to the world in addressing emerging challenges and that the New Uzbekistan is ready for cooperation across all sectors. Following the forum, it was agreed that the European Union’s experience would be shared with our region and that their scientific advancements and innovations would be effectively applied in practice. The climate conditions of the countries located in Central Asia are very similar. Agricultural technologies and crop varieties are also closely aligned. The sessions further addressed issues related to maintaining the water balance of agricultural lands, protecting soil from desertification, and properly organizing the market for agricultural produce.

Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

– At the summit, the Head of our state expressed readiness to open a ‘Horizon Europe’ program office in Uzbekistan to expand scientific and educational cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. In addition, the President proposed the development of a joint program for scientific and technological exchange in artificial intelligence, big data, digitalization, and space research. Initiatives were also proposed to involve the countries of the region in the European Digital Education Action Plan, as well as to establish a partnership roadmap between leading universities in Central Asian countries and the European Union.

Such are the demands of our time: if we wish to achieve meaningful results in any sphere, we must cooperate with the world. Without integration, achieving success is challenging. Within the framework of the summit, Uzbekistan called on all parties to join efforts and strive for shared, ambitious goals. The initiatives put forward will not remain merely on paper. The President emphasized the importance of introducing effective mechanisms for implementing all proposals and agreements. In this context, the creation of a Partnership Committee at the level of deputy prime ministers in the “Central Asia – European Union” format was particularly highlighted. The committee is to convene annually to ensure practical follow-up.

Ikrom Avvalboyev, UzA