On April 3, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Samarkand Summit.

The discussions focused on further developing and strengthening the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union, particularly in trade, economic, and investment sectors.

It was noted with great satisfaction that active dialogues and productive exchanges at various levels, as well as institutional mechanisms of practical cooperation, are being effectively implemented. The Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation is being prepared for signing.

The volume of trade between Uzbekistan and EU member states continues to grow. The portfolio of investment projects involving leading European companies now exceeds 30 billion euros. Uzbekistan remains a key beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a regional office of the European Investment Bank is set to open in Tashkent.

The heads of the EUʼs key institutions highly praised Uzbekistanʼs economic reform program aimed at building the “New Uzbekistan” and expressed strong support for its policy of strengthening good neighborly relations, trust, and partnership in Central Asia.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors, including innovation, green energy, mining, agriculture, transport, logistics, and digitalization.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening exchanges in tourism, culture, science, education, and healthcare.

Discussions also covered the agenda for the first high-level Central Asia–EU Summit, as well as plans to enhance regional connectivity under the EUʼs Global Gateway strategy.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on key international and regional issues, including support for Afghanistanʼs socio-economic development.