Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union, particularly with the Benelux countries, represent mutually beneficial cooperation. Relations between these countries today are rapidly developing, covering various areas.

Mutual trust and friendly relations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the European Council Charles Michel are essential in developing such cooperation.

This was discussed at a meeting held on June 7 this year at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Kingdom of Belgium as part of the EU Green Week. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, had a lively conversation with representatives of Uzbekistan media and noted that cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union has risen to a new level in recent years.

– Foreign relations play an essential role in the comprehensive development of our country. Therefore, the Head of our state pays special attention to strengthening diplomatic ties, developing international relations, and raising extensive cooperation with European countries to a new level. As a result, today, the dialogue with the countries of the European Union, which are striving to establish mutually beneficial relations with Uzbekistan, is increasingly being strengthened. In turn, Uzbekistan considers itself one of the leading international partners of the European Union in the political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. It should be noted that a new stage has begun in bilateral and interregional relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. Thus, last year the parties successfully organized several high-level events, including a telephone conversation between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel and his visit to Uzbekistan.

As part of the first visit of the President of the European Council Charles Michel to Uzbekistan on 27-28 October 2022, as well as the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the first meeting in the Central Asia – European Union format, productive negotiations were held, and necessary agreements were reached. It is important to note here that the International Conference “European Union – Central Asia” on “Global Gates”, organized in the city of Samarkand at the initiative of Uzbekistan on 18 November 2022, has become a truly historical event in strengthening interregional cooperation.

At a meeting with the conference participants, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that it is necessary to strengthen relations between the two rapidly developing continents, focus on priority areas such as digital transformation, transport for the full implementation of the “Global Gateway” initiative. These efforts create optimal conditions for the development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the countries of the European Union in investment, trade, financial and technical assistance, transfer of high technologies, science, and technology, education, environment, tourism, health, and culture, as well as strengthening interregional security. Of course, the embassies of the Republic of Uzbekistan operating in the EU member states have a great responsibility to enhance such relations. In this regard, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Kingdom of Belgium pays special attention to implementing these requirements. In particular, diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the Benelux countries are aimed at implementing these reforms, – Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov said.

Following the meeting, the participants got acquainted with the embassy’s activities.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA

Brussels