Brussels, 19/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - At its eleventh meeting on 17 March, the Cooperation Council between the EU and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to see their bilateral relations strengthened. The Council underlined the intensification of the political dialogue between the EU and the Republic of Uzbekistan over recent years, recalling inter alia the opening of an EU Delegation in Tashkent and the visit of President Karimov to Brussels in January 2011. Highlighting the “great potential” of economic exchanges and trade, the EU expressed its support for the creation of a joint business and investments council. The EU reiterated its support for Uzbekistan's plan to accede to the WTO. The two parties agreed on the main priorities of the forthcoming EU development cooperation with Uzbekistan, in particular the sector of rural development, the Council stated. The Council underlined the mutual interest for strengthened cooperation in area of energy.
While welcoming Uzbekistan's readiness to discuss human rights with the EU in an increasingly open fashion, the EU “strongly” encouraged Uzbekistan to step up its cooperation with the United Nations towards developing a national action plan on human rights.
The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of maintaining emphasis on a global approach to implementing the EU strategy for Central Asia, and the EU hoped that Tashkent will actively participate in the next high-level dialogue on security between the EU and Central Asia. The Council also examined international issues, including Afghanistan, and reiterated the importance of cooperation in promoting regional stability. (CG)