Strengthening Uzbekistan-EU relations: Komilov highlights priorities

Abdulaziz Komilov, Uzbekistan’s Presidential Special Representative for Foreign Policy, stressed the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation with the European Union amid the growing geopolitical and economic role of Central Asia. He made these remarks today, March 19, during the opening ceremony of the EU–Central Asia Research Centers Forum.

Komilov reaffirmed the European Union’s increasing involvement in Central Asia’s modernization and Uzbekistan’s commitment to building a strong and lasting partnership with Europe.

“The European Union has long been an important partner for Uzbekistan and Central Asia, with cooperation rooted in shared values, regional stability, and development.

Over the past decade, the European Union has played a key role in the modernization of the region. Expanding trade and investment have contributed significantly to strengthening economic stability.

The EU’s participation in the region’s development demonstrates its confidence in Central Asia’s potential and its firm support for the region’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Komilov stated.

He also highlighted that Uzbekistan and Central Asia are striving to deepen cooperation with Europe, drawing upon their shared geography, history, and objectives as a foundation for closer ties.

“Today’s forum is more than a one-time event; it has the potential to become a long-term mechanism for strategic dialogue and policy coordination between the European Union and Central Asia,” Komilov emphasized.

The "Central Asia – European Union" summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4, chaired by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend.

Additionally, the first Samarkand Climate Forum will be held on April 4-5 at the “Silk Road Samarkand” Congress Center. Representatives from Central Asian states, the EU, the UN, international financial institutions, and leading environmental organizations are expected to participate.