Uzbekistan proposed to host the first EU-Central Asia tourism forum

Today, on October 28 this year, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel have met in Tashkent. In the course of talks held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel confirmed that the relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union had reached a qualitatively new level and acquired a wide scale character in the recent years.

The President of the European Council noted with satisfaction the Uzbek leadership's growing attention to ensuring gender equality and supporting the rights and interests of women, youth and children and expressed willingness to continue to provide comprehensive support for the implementation of projects and programmes in these areas. The European Union stressed the importance of full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The parties emphasised the need for joint action to accelerate the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia and welcomed the EU-Central Asia Global Gateway for Sustainable Development conference on Interdependence in Samarkand on 18 November 2022.

The Presidents noted the importance of expanding port capacity, expanding ferry and rail fleets, harmonising customs procedures, introducing digital solutions for cargo handling and border crossing.

The sides welcomed the approval and launch of a multi-year indicative programme of financial and technical support by the EU for Uzbekistan for the period 2021-2027.

They noted the importance of using the existing strong potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in digitalisation, green economy, energy efficiency and water use, including introduction of best European practices and implementation of joint projects in these areas.

The Uzbek side proposed to host the first EU-Central Asia Tourism Forum in Uzbekistan in 2023.