The President of Uzbekistan outlined the priorities of cooperation in the ‘‘Central Asia – Italy’’ format

On May 30, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the summit in the format of ‘‘Central Asia – Italy’’ in the city of Astana, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgio Meloni, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The issues of further development of multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the issues of developing partnership in the areas of investment and technology, ‘‘green’’ economy, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

At the beginning of his speech, the head of state emphasized that the Uzbek side considers the current event in the context of the agreements on strategic partnership of the Central Asian region with Europe, reached in April of this year at the summit in Samarkand.

The intention to develop productive practical cooperation in this format was noted, taking into account, first of all, the technological, industrial and intellectual potential of our countries.

The demand for a platform for multilateral dialogue with Italy is also growing given the current realities of global and regional political trends, the strengthening of common challenges to security and progress.

At the same time, the centuries-old history of trade and cultural relations between the region and Italy serves as a solid foundation for a full-scale partnership at a new stage.

Moving on to the agenda items, the head of Uzbekistan presented his vision of the priorities of cooperation in the ‘‘Central Asia – Italy’’ format.

First of all, the importance of continuing regular contacts at the level of foreign policy agencies to coordinate approaches to a number of pressing international issues was noted. It was also proposed to launch working mechanisms for multilateral partnership and exchange of information between special services in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

In the economic sphere, the leader of our country noted with satisfaction the threefold increase in trade and investment between Uzbekistan and Italy in recent years. Technological cooperation projects with leading Italian companies are being successfully implemented.

Taking into account the traditionally strong positions of the Italian business community in the innovative development of the country, it was proposed to launch a permanent platform for business dialogue – the Business Club ‘‘Central Asia – Italy’’ under the auspices of the chambers of commerce and industry of our countries. Such meetings with the broad participation of entrepreneurs will be held annually in the capitals of the countries of the region and Italy.

The President of Uzbekistan also noted the importance of developing and adopting a comprehensive multilateral Industrial and Technological Cooperation Program, which provides for the formation of favorable conditions for technology transfer, the introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, and the creation of high-tech industrial production.

It was emphasized that, taking into account the existing successful experience, the priority areas of cooperation could be deep processing of mineral resources and agricultural raw materials; production of modern equipment for electrical, chemical, textile, leather, food and other processing industries; localization of the component base and industrial goods; creation of design centers with leading Italian brands.

The head of our state stated that a special industrial park under the management of a European operator is being created in the Tashkent region to implement projects of regional importance.

At the same time, the importance of involving Italian state agencies SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds, in supporting cooperation projects was noted.

Highly appreciating the fruitful cooperation with Italy in the field of ‘‘green’’ transformation, the leader of Uzbekistan called for the development of a full-scale partnership by launching a multilateral platform designed to facilitate the implementation of national decarbonization programs.

Readiness was expressed to implement projects in the field of renewable energy, including the supply of “green” energy to EU countries, auditing and improving the energy efficiency of enterprises, modernizing water infrastructure facilities and developing hydrogen technologies with the involvement of leading manufacturers and engineering companies in Italy.

Noting the fruitful activities of the branches of the Turin Polytechnic and Pisa universities in Tashkent, the head of our state welcomed the interest of other leading Italian universities in the region.

The President of Uzbekistan has put forward an initiative to create a scientific and educational Consortium ‘‘Central Asia – Italy’’ to conduct and finance scientific research, academic exchange programs and personnel training in areas such as engineering, design, water conservation and biotechnology.

Interest was expressed in launching a tourism alliance to establish partnerships between leading operators and create joint tourism products.

The great interest of the Italian public in the exhibitions and cultural events held in Rome and Florence was noted with satisfaction.

In this context, it was proposed to hold a youth forum for creative economy and cultural exchange of countries in the region and Italy in Khiva next year.

The heads of state of Central Asia and the Prime Minister of Italy also spoke at the summit. Following the event, a Joint Statement was adopted.