Uzbekistan and EU review partnership at 19th parliamentary committee meeting

The delegation of Uzbekistan was led by First Deputy Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis Sodiq Safoyev. The European Union delegation was headed by Juozas Olekas, Chair of the Delegation of the European Parliament for relations with the countries of Central Asia at the European Parliament.

During the meeting, participants held substantive discussions on the state of Uzbekistan – European Union cooperation and its future trajectory. The European side welcomed and supported the irreversible reforms and positive transformations implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years, reaffirming its readiness to advance a joint agenda that reflects shared interests across all areas of partnership.

The sides noted that the first Central Asia – European Union summit, held in Samarkand, gave fresh momentum to cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan, as well as other countries in the region. The summit led to the launch of new projects and initiatives focused on trade and economic ties, transport connectivity and energy cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on the practical significance of the October 2025 visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Brussels and the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The agreement is expected to open broader opportunities for interaction in various sectors, including the establishment of new production facilities and infrastructure, the development of renewable energy and the promotion of industrial cooperation.

Special attention was given to prospects for further expanding and deepening trade and economic cooperation. The participants highlighted the favorable conditions created in Uzbekistan to attract European investors and companies, establish joint ventures and develop high technology industries.

The importance of intensifying bilateral ties in trade, investment, financial and technical assistance, industrial cooperation, production of critical raw materials, transport, energy, agriculture and the green and digital economy was underlined. The sides also stressed the need to boost scientific, educational and cultural exchanges.

Both parties expressed mutual interest in advancing initiatives aimed at establishing international multimodal transport corridors, including within the framework of the Trans Caspian and other transport routes.

The meeting also addressed Uzbekistan’s recent efforts in the field of human rights, including support for non governmental organizations and measures to eradicate child and forced labor. The sides welcomed constructive cooperation in strengthening civil society, ensuring gender equality and expanding cultural, humanitarian and educational ties.

Participants exchanged views on key international and regional issues.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the 20th session of the Uzbekistan – European Union Parliamentary Cooperation Committee will be held in 2027 in Uzbekistan.