Ilkhom Nematov, First Deputy Foreign Minister replying to a question on Uzbekistan's possible accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), said that imposing of harsher phytosanitary requirements and the closure by Kyrgyzstan of access to Uzbekistan’s Sokh exclave two days after it was opened was not the form of pressure on Uzbekistan to join the EAEU.
“I told on previous occasions, and I am saying it now. No one can force us howsoever to join the Eurasian Union. After all, Uzbekistan is a strong country with a great reputation not only in the region but also in the world. We will join only if this meets our national interests. Experts are currently exploring the pros and cons of this issue. When we get the results, we will decide whether to join or not,” he underscored.
"You are well aware that Uzbekistan's economy is growing. And we need markets for our goods. Where is our main market? In Kazakhstan and Russia. Therefore, we need to work closely with this organization as this meets our economic interests,” he concluded.
