Brussels hosted a meeting of the Uzbekistan delegation with the Director of the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) Lin Goethals.

Uzbekistan was represented by leading analytical institutions – the Center for Economic Research and Reform, the International Institute for Central Asia, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, and the Center for Foreign Policy Studies.

The parties discussed the state of cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union, prospects for relations, and current trends in Central Asia.

IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov stressed that Central Asia is again becoming an important link between East and West, North and South, playing a key role in transport routes such as the Trans-Caspian Corridor and the North-South route. Particular attention was paid to the conclusion of an agreement on constructing the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, which will connect the region with the European railway network.

In turn, EIAS Director Lin Goethals noted that such initiatives contribute to strengthening ties between the EU and Central Asia, creating new opportunities for trade and investment. She focused on developing the Middle Corridor, which will significantly expand transport networks and strengthen economic cooperation between the regions.

The parties agreed to continue the dialogue between the analytical centers.

G.Khonnazarov, UzA