It is well known that the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit takes place on April 3-4.

The event, which is held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is attended by the President of the European Council António Costa, and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Leaders of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are also expected to participate in the conference, which will be held under the theme “Investing in the Future”.

Key topics of the summit will include the expansion of investment cooperation, growth in trade turnover, and the advancement of joint programs and projects in innovation, green energy, mining, agriculture, transport, logistics, and digitalization. Active exchanges are also expected to continue in priority areas such as culture, tourism, science, and education.

As Uzbekistan deepens its relationship with the European Union and emerges as a key participant in the “Central Asia – EU” dialogue, Italy is also actively engaged in EU initiatives in the region. It seeks to strengthen its cooperation with Central Asian countries.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Italy are multifaceted, spanning a wide range of areas. Today, these ties have evolved into a strategic partnership.

In 1996, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union was signed in Florence, Italy. Among Western European countries, Italy has demonstrated the highest number of official diplomatic visits to Uzbekistan, reflecting the strength of bilateral ties.

Trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the two countries has been steadily advancing and has reached a new level across several key sectors.

Notably, separate agreements have been signed in heavy industry, metallurgy, textile manufacturing, export support, investment, technology, and cultural heritage preservation. Cooperation in tourism and higher education is also developing rapidly. Overall, the expansion of relations between Uzbekistan and Italy represents a long-term and mutually beneficial interest.

Out of the 54 joint ventures with Italian capital currently operating in Uzbekistan, 35 have been established based on 100% foreign investment. These enterprises primarily focus on the production of non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, textiles, cotton waste processing, and trade.

In Bakhmal district of Jizzakh region, a plant for cultivating and processing saffron and other medicinal herbs was constructed in collaboration with BMB Trade Group and FIN.OPERA s.r.l. To date, products worth €15 million have been exported to Italy. In recent years, bilateral trade turnover has approached €400 million.

The efforts of the heads of state have been a decisive factor in elevating trade and economic cooperation to a new level. In June 2023, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to Rome to further strengthen economic ties with Italy. In return, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella visited Uzbekistan in November of the same year. As a result, several key documents were signed to reinforce the strategic partnership.

Relations between the European Union and Central Asia were discussed at a recent session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, held ahead of the upcoming summit in Samarkand.

“Central Asia is a strategically important region for the EU and the West”, stated Alberico Gambino, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Committee on Security and Defence. “Italy plays a significant role in strengthening cooperation between the two regions. One of the first foreign higher education institutions established in Uzbekistan was the Turin Polytechnic University. Student exchange programs have been developed, Italian language instruction is provided within both general and higher education systems, and platforms such as the Uzbekistan – Italy Friendship Society and the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee are actively operating”.

On June 21, 2023, a memorandum was signed between the Italian news agency ANSA and the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA). Since then, ANSA has regularly published content related to developments in Uzbekistan across its media platforms.

Recently, 11-year-old Yasmina Khusniddinova, representing Uzbekistan at the 16th Sanremo Junior International Song Contest for performers aged 6 to 15, held in Sanremo, Italy, won the Grand Prix.

It is worth noting that Italy, together with Uzbekistan, is advancing several initiatives aimed at strengthening regional integration. For example, at the 2023 Central Asia – EU Summit, important agreements were signed between Italy and Uzbekistan to expand cooperation in agriculture, industry, and environmental protection.

The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a new era in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

This prestigious conference is expected to contribute to strengthening relations between Central Asian countries and Europe, intensifying trade and economic cooperation, and expanding collaboration in ensuring regional security.

Utkir Alimov, UzA