The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, met with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on Friday 28 October. Following a meeting between the EU and the five Central Asian countries (see EUROPE 13052/7), as well as a discussion with the Kazakh President (see EUROPE 13052/6), Mr Michel this time called for stronger economic ties with Uzbekistan.
Both leaders want to use the potential and capabilities of their relationship. This includes promoting direct investment, cooperation on new technologies, the exchange of best practices and standards for European companies in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek President said that his country was ready to create the necessary conditions to attract foreign direct investment, including from Europe.
The meeting between the two parties also placed particular emphasis on connectivity. Uzbekistan has indicated that it will soon propose the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of joint projects in priority sectors.
Sustainable transport corridors are crucial to increase mutual trade, the two leaders said.
They will both participate in the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference on 18 November in Samarkand, also in Uzbekistan. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)