Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with Costa

On January 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, as reported by the press service of the Uzbek President.

The two leaders discussed pressing bilateral and regional issues. President Mirziyoyev congratulated Antonio Costa on his election as President of the European Council and wished him great success in his role.

It was noted with great satisfaction that multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union has reached an advanced level in recent years, rapidly developing across all priority areas.

For context, active dialogue and exchanges are ongoing at various levels. In 2024, trade volume between Uzbekistan and EU member states exceeded €6 billion, while the portfolio of projects with European companies reached €30 billion. Last year, an agreement on strategic partnership in the field of critical mineral resources was signed. Effective collaboration is also underway in transport and digital connectivity, the "green" economy, culture, and other areas.

Confidence was expressed that the early signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union would significantly boost the development of comprehensive mutual relations.

President Mirziyoyev and President Costa also exchanged views on international and regional cooperation. They discussed joint plans for preparing and hosting the first "Central Asia - European Union" summit, scheduled to take place in Samarkand this April.