On August 28, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke to the President of the European Council Charles Michel over the telephone.
At the beginning of the conversation, the President of the EC Charles Michel congratulated the head of state and the people of Uzbekistan over the 30th anniversary of the country's independence, wishing peace, well-being and prosperity. Strong support was expressed for the ongoing democratic and social and economic reforms in the republic.
Topical issues of the Uzbek-European multifaceted cooperation were considered.
The parties underscored with satisfaction that granting Uzbekistan the status of a beneficiary of the General System of Preferences Plus is now contributing to the boosting the two-way trade and economic relations, and the promotion of investment projects with the participation of major EU companies, as well as the expansion of the financial and technical assistance program. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of the agenda for the upcoming summit, including the signing of an Expanded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the presidential press service said.
They also exchanged views on the development of the situation in the region in connection with the escalation of tensions in Afghanistan. The President of the Council of Europe expressed deep gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for practical assistance in carrying out humanitarian operations to evacuate citizens.
In addition, the parties highly commended the outcomes of the international conference on the interconnectivity of Central and South Asia, held in July this year in Tashkent, and the third Central Asian Summit in early August in Turkmenistan.
