AKIPRESS.COM - President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the Samarkand Summit on April 3, UzA reported.

The parties discussed further development and deepening of multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU, with a particular focus on trade, economic, and investment areas.

Active contacts and productive exchanges at various levels were highlighted with satisfaction, as well as the effective work being carried out through institutional mechanisms of practical interaction. Preparations are underway for the signing of an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Uzbekistan's trade turnover with EU countries is growing dynamically. The portfolio of investment projects involving leading European companies exceeds €30 billion. Uzbekistan is a primary beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a regional office of the European Investment Bank is being opened in Tashkent.

During the talks, special attention was given to advancing joint programs and cooperation projects in areas such as innovation, green energy, the extractive industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, digitalization, and other key sectors.

The importance of continuing active exchanges in tourism, culture, science, education, and healthcare was also emphasized.

The parties discussed the agenda of the upcoming first high-level Central Asia – European Union summit and prospects for enhancing connectivity between the two regions within the framework of the EU's Global Gateway strategy.

Views were exchanged on pressing issues of international and regional policy, including support for Afghanistan's socio-economic development.