Mirziyoyev holds high-level talks with Italian Prime Minister Meloni

On May 29, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni held one-on-one and expanded delegation-level talks at the Congress Center in Samarkand, according to the presidential press service.

The discussions focused on further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding multifaceted cooperation across a range of sectors.

Both sides expressed support for continued active political dialogue and exchange. It was noted that cooperation with the institutions of the European Union would intensify, building on the momentum of the successful summit held in Samarkand in April. The importance of ensuring practical outcomes from the upcoming "Central Asia – Italy" summit was also emphasized.

The parties agreed to broaden technical assistance programs to support trade, including training for Uzbek exporters aiming to enter the European market, establishing a joint certification center in Tashkent, and expediting the adoption of an agreement on conformity assessment.

President Mirziyoyev proposed launching a technological partnership program with leading Italian companies.

Priority areas identified for cooperation include innovative private sector projects, deep processing of critical minerals and agricultural raw materials, and the production of high-tech goods in industries such as automotive, electrical engineering, energy, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Additional focus will be placed on establishing design centers for textiles, leather, furniture, and other industries.

These projects are expected to be housed in an industrial park to be created in the Tashkent region, managed by a European operator.

The two leaders also discussed the creation of a joint investment fund and mechanisms to support new projects, with the involvement of Italian state agencies SACE and SIMEST.

Special attention was given to expanding scientific and technological cooperation in agriculture. A comprehensive “roadmap” will guide collaboration in areas such as grape, olive, saffron, and sarsabil cultivation, the establishment of agro-laboratories, development of biotechnology, and implementation of agro-insurance.

To promote these initiatives, it was agreed to resume the work of the Uzbek-Italian intergovernmental commission and hold its next meeting alongside a business forum.

The significance of regional cooperation was underscored with plans to hold the first Forum of Regions and the visit of Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana, aimed at fostering partnerships between the regions of the two countries.

In the education sector, the parties supported plans to open a branch of the University of Tuscia in Uzbekistan and implement dual-degree programs with the universities of Pisa, Trento, Roma Tre, and Ca' Foscari.

An agreement was also reached to organize the Days of Italian Culture in Uzbekistan.

The two sides welcomed the signing of an agreement on establishing systematic cooperation in the field of labor migration.

As a result of the talks, a decision was made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached.

It should be recalled that Giorgia Meloni arrived in Samarkand on an official visit on May 28. She was personally welcomed by President Mirziyoyev at Samarkand International Airport. The two leaders later visited Registan Square and the historical and ethnographic park “Boqiy Shahar” at the Silk Road Samarkand International Tourism Center. An official welcoming ceremony was held earlier today, May 29.

Tomorrow, May 30, the first summit of the heads of Central Asian states and the Prime Minister of Italy will be held in Astana.