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

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President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella held bilateral talks at the Kuksaroy residence.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of our state warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and noted that the current visit of the Italian President 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 extended to the Italian delegation.

The Italian President emphasized the strong support for irreversible reforms in the 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.

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

The Heads of State stressed the importance of continuing active contacts between parliaments and foreign ministries.

An agreement has been reached to hold the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue at the level of foreign ministers next year.

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

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

In order to further develop trade relations, it is proposed to develop a Comprehensive trade Promotion 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 advanced Italian high-tech companies to participate in projects of modernization of the national economy.

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

An agreement was reached to prepare proposals on new directions and localization projects within the framework of the current Intergovernmental Group.

Italy expressed its readiness to support Uzbekistan's early entry into the World Trade Organization and the adoption of an Expanded Partnership Agreement with the European Union. 

The importance of stimulating direct contacts between the regions of the two countries was noted. In this regard, it is proposed to establish a Forum of the 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 of the examples of successful cooperation was the activity of the branch of the Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent.

On the basis of this leading university, a Center for the transfer of advanced Italian technologies will be launched next year.

The growing interest in studying the Italian language in Uzbekistan was noted with satisfaction. A common opinion was expressed 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 richest, unique cultural and historical heritage, the Days of Culture, Cinema and Tourism of Uzbekistan and Italy will be held in our countries next year. 

The archaeological research carried out by the joint team of the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology, the Universities of Bologna and Naples is highly appreciated. 

The Heads of State separately noted the need to expand academic exchanges and hold a joint educational forum.

The sides also exchanged views on issues of the international and regional agenda, continued cooperation in combating common challenges and threats to security.