Uzbekistan, Italy to hold the first meeting of Strategic Dialogue in 2024

According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the head of Italy and his daughter - the first lady of the country were welcomed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife.

After that, bilateral talks were held with the participation of the presidents of Uzbekistan and Italy. In particular, attention was paid to the implementation of the agreements reached during Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Italy in June.

It was also agreed to hold the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue at the level of heads of foreign political agencies in 2024. It was discussed about the continuation of active relations within the framework of the “Central Asia – Italy” dialogue.

In the field of economic cooperation, the exchange of goods increased by 30 percent last year. The portfolio of joint projects amounted to €9 billion.

In order to further develop trade relations, it was proposed to develop a comprehensive trade promotion program at the meeting. It was noted that there is successful cooperation with leading Italian companies in metallurgy, energy, electrical engineering, agriculture and other sectors.

The country is said to be interested in involving advanced and high-tech Italian companies in projects to modernize the national economy. The parties welcomed the opening of the “Konfindustriya Uzbekistan” industrialist union, which serves to deepen industrial cooperation, in Tashkent.

Italy expressed its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s early entry into the World Trade Organization and the adoption of the Extended Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

The importance of promoting direct relations between the regions of the two countries was noted. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a forum of Uzbekistan and Italian regions and to hold its first meeting in 2024 in Samarkand.

It was noted that there is a growing interest in learning the Italian language in Uzbekistan. There was a consensus on the importance of training Italian language teachers in schools and the gradual introduction of its teaching in schools.

Plans to hold joint art exhibitions in Italy were also discussed.

The archeological research conducted by the Samarkand Institute of Archeology and the joint group of the Universities of Bologna and Naples was highly appreciated.

The heads of state emphasized the need to expand academic exchanges and hold a joint Education Forum.

Current issues of international and regional importance, common threats to security and continuing cooperation in combating threats were also exchanged.