Brussels, 15/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Cooperation Council between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirmed on Monday 14 November, during its tenth meeting, the commitment of both parties to see their bilateral relations strengthened across a number of areas. “We have renewed our commitment in relations between the EU and Uzbekistan”, stressed the foreign minister of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking after what he called a “constructive” session. The Cooperation Council highlighted progress made since it met last, in September 2009, “including implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia”. Regional cooperation in Central Asia, it underlined, is “an effective means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the region”.
Uzbeks and Europeans discussed the “great potential” of the economic and trade component of EU-Uzbekistan relations and discussed improving the business and investment climate. They also covered the environment, the role of civil society, human rights, the development of Afghanistan, mutual interest in reinforced cooperation, and effective implementation of the protocol to the bilateral energy agreement. “We trust that the investment climate of Uzbekistan will continue to improve, like human rights and working conditions”, said Radoslaw Sikorski. The EU called for the convention of the International Labour Organisation to be implemented, as ratified by Uzbekistan. (CG/transl.jl)