Mirziyoyev receives EU Commissioner 

north_east

US representative delivers Trump’s greetings to Mirziyoyev

On March 18, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation Joseph Sikela, who is on a working visit to the country.  

The meeting focused on pressing issues related to the further development of multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.  

At the beginning of the talks, the EU representative conveyed greetings and best wishes to President Mirziyoyev from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.  

“It was noted with great satisfaction that bilateral cooperation has been developing rapidly in recent years, including in political, trade-economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. There is significant potential for further expansion of these ties. The early signing of a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU will contribute to this goal,” the statement reads.  

The discussions also highlighted mutual interest in advancing joint projects and programs in key areas such as transport and logistics, energy, digitalization, agriculture, and water management. Special attention was given to fostering cooperation in the processing of vital mineral resources.  

Additionally, the parties considered preparations for the first Central Asia-EU Summit and the Climate Forum, set to take place in Samarkand in early April. Views were also exchanged on regional cooperation in Central Asia.  

For reference, Joseph Sikela was scheduled to visit Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, from March 12 to 18. His regional tour began in Turkmenistan, where he engaged in discussions on socio-economic cooperation, trade relations, transport connectivity, energy security, and investment development. He also met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss the implementation of the European Union’s "Global Gateway" initiative.  

Following his visit to Turkmenistan, Sikela traveled to Kazakhstan, where he was received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two leaders discussed regional and global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated cooperation within the "Central Asia-European Union" framework.  

In Tajikistan, Sikela visited the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station, one of the world's largest energy infrastructure projects. He was later received by President Emomali Rahmon, with whom he discussed prospects for EU-Tajikistan relations and key regional issues.  

On March 17, Sikela continued his tour in Kyrgyzstan, meeting with President Sadyr Japarov to discuss strategic cooperation. President Japarov emphasized that the European Union has been a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan since its independence.  

Sikela concluded his visit with a meeting in Tashkent with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, on March 17.