All areas of cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia are aimed at diversifying the economies of the countries of the region and alleviating indirect dependence on the Russian Federation, stated the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Charlotte Adrian at a press meeting with journalists on Friday.

These areas of cooperation, in particular, include the economic development of the Central Asia countries, the ways for efficient use of water resources and energy efficiency, as well as digitalization, the ambassador added.

Another area that has EU support is regional cooperation in Central Asia.

“We see Uzbekistan’s very important role in the Central Asian, we evaluate it as a driver, a locomotive for establishing a regional dialogue. Uzbekistan is interested not only in the security of its borders, but also in cooperation with neighboring countries,” said Charlotte Adrian.

The Ambassador highlighted that the EU supported the Central Asian countries in their quest for freedom of choice of partners. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also spoke about this earlier.

“We do not want the exclusivity of the relationship between the European Union and Central Asia, but rather to ensure freedom of choice,” said Charlotte Adrian.

The EU Delegation underscored that now cooperation with Uzbekistan, in particular, is being aligned with the Multi-Year Indicative Program for 2021-2027. While, 83 million euros were contributed for its financing, including 7 million euros to support the development of civil society and human rights.

Efforts are underway in three priority areas: effective public administration and digital transformation, inclusive and digital green growth, and the development of a smart and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

Previously, EU cooperation with Uzbekistan was based mainly on agriculture, the increase in areas of joint work is evidence that the EU is expanding partnership with Uzbekistan, the EU Delegation noted.

These areas of cooperation are not something that we invented or developed on our own. All this is the result of joint work with the government, discussions on how, with what and in what areas we can help, the embassy stressed.