Uzbekistan was added to the list of priority partners to support the development in the countries of Central Asia, the Director General of the Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Marya Liivala said.
Previously, the list was limited to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
According to the Uzbek Embassy, the goals of Finland's efforts in Central Asia are outlined in the new Country Strategy of the Finnish Foreign Ministry for 2021-2024.
It highlighted that the decision to prioritize Uzbekistan is a reflection of the comprehensive economic and social reforms carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Over the next three years, Finland intends to support projects in three main areas - the rule of law, sustainable economic development and improved natural resource management.
The planned total assistance to Uzbekistan, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, stands at about US$ 28 million (€ 25 million).
