Uzbekistan and Italy reach agreements worth €9 billion 

The head of state, thanking for the invitation and warm hospitality, congratulated President Sergio Mattarella and the people of Italy on the national holiday that had passed the day before – Republic Day.

“The President of Italy reaffirmed his support for irreversible reforms in the new Uzbekistan, highly appreciated the country’s efforts to ensure stability and prosperity in the Central Asian region,” the press service said.

The heads of state considered issues of economic cooperation. In recent years, mutual trade and the number of joint ventures have doubled. Leading Italian companies such as Pietro Fiorentini, Terra-nova, Danieli, Imagro, Ansaldo, Saipem and others successfully operate in the country.

The Presidents welcomed the results of the business forum held the day before, which resulted in the signing of a solid package of agreements and contracts worth over €9 billion.

Particular attention was paid to the development of humanitarian ties. An agreement was reached to hold an exhibition of the cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan in Italy. In addition, the prospects for cooperation in the field of education, archeology, and interaction in the field of environmental challenges were discussed in detail.

Branches of the Universities of Turin and Pisa are successfully operating in Tashkent. For the third year in a row, Uzbekistan participates in the international biennale in Venice. Since the beginning of the year, the number of Italian tourists to the country has increased 5 times. The further growth of the tourist flow will be facilitated by the launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Milan from April this year.

The leaders of the two countries also exchanged views on regional and international issues, primarily the situation in Afghanistan. The importance of continuing targeted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, as well as holding regular consultations of special representatives, was emphasized.

At the end of the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Sergio Mattarella to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.