The presidents of Uzbekistan and Italy discussed further plans to expand strategic partnership relations

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella held bilateral negotiations at the Kuksaroy residence, the press service of the head of our state reports.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of our state warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and noted that the current visit of the President of Italy is an important event in the development of Uzbek-Italian relations.

Sergio Mattarella expressed sincere gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for the invitation and the warm welcome provided to the Italian delegation.

The President of Italy especially noted the strong support for irreversible reforms in New Uzbekistan and highly appreciated the efforts of our country to ensure stability and deepen integration in Central Asia.

Issues of further expansion of bilateral strategic partnership and multifaceted relations in priority areas were discussed.

Particular attention is paid to the practical implementation of the agreements reached during the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Italy in June of this year.

The heads of state emphasized the importance of continuing active contacts between parliaments and foreign affairs agencies.

An agreement was reached to hold the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue at the level of heads of foreign affairs agencies next year.

Active contacts will continue within the framework of the “Central Asia – Italy” dialogue.

In the field of economic cooperation, since the beginning of this year, mutual trade turnover has increased by 30 percent. The portfolio of joint projects amounted to 9 billion euros.

In order to further develop trade relations, it was proposed to develop a Comprehensive Trade Facilitation Program.

Examples of successful cooperation with leading Italian companies in the metallurgical, energy, electrical, agricultural and other industries are noted.

Interest was expressed in attracting leading Italian high-tech companies to participate in projects to modernize the national economy.

The parties welcomed the opening of the Industry Association “Confindustria Uzbekistan” in the city of Tashkent, which will contribute to the deepening of industrial cooperation.

An agreement was reached to prepare, within the framework of the current Intergovernmental Group, proposals for new areas and localization projects.

Italy’s readiness to support Uzbekistan’s early accession to the World Trade Organization and the adoption of the Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the European Union was expressed.

The importance of stimulating direct contacts between the regions of the two countries was noted. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Forum of Regions of Uzbekistan and Italy and hold its first meeting in Samarkand next year.

In addition, the prospects for the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation were discussed in detail.

One example of successful interaction is the activity of the branch of the Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent.

On the basis of this leading university, next year the Center for the Transfer of Advanced Italian Technologies will be launched.

The growing interest in learning the Italian language in Uzbekistan is emphasized with satisfaction. There was a consensus on the importance of teacher training and the gradual introduction of Italian language teaching in our schools.

In addition, plans to hold joint exhibitions of fine art in Italy were discussed.

In order to get acquainted with the rich, unique cultural and historical heritage, next year the Days of Culture, Cinema and Tourism of Uzbekistan and Italy will be held in our countries.

The archaeological research conducted by the joint team of the Samarkand Institute of Archeology, the universities of Bologna and Naples was highly appreciated.

The heads of state separately noted the need to expand academic exchanges and hold a joint Educational Forum.

An exchange of views also took place on issues of the international and regional agenda, continued cooperation in combating common challenges and security threats.