During the brief conversation held after the ceremony at Quirinale palace, the President of Italy asked to convey his respect and warm wishes to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He emphasized the importance of resuming a direct dialogue between the leaders of the two countries after an 18-year pause and expressed readiness to receive the President of Uzbekistan in Italy at a convenient time for him.

Italy, as a founding country of the European Union, from the very beginning played an active role in establishing Uzbekistan – European relations. In particular, the fundamental Agreement on partnership and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU was signed in Italy (Florence) in 1996 during the presidency of this country in the EU. Based on this, Sergio Mattarella noted that Italy is ready to continue to fully support the development of relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan.

According to the President of Italy, there are good opportunities for more active cooperation between the two countries in the international arena, in particular with regard to helping stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and its socio-economic development. He also called for intensifying Uzbekistan – Italia contacts on inter-parliamentary lines, joint implementation of economic projects, especially in areas that Italy has leading positions in the world. The President also noted the prospects for close bilateral partnership in the field of culture, education and tourism.