Euronews publishes exclusive interview with the President of Uzbekistan

The summit in Samarkand, where the leaders of the European Union and Central Asian states will meet for the first time on a single platform, is of historical significance, emphasized the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in an exclusive interview with Euronews.

The Central Asia – European Union summit, being held in the historic city of Samarkand, represents an important stage in relations between Central Asia and the European Union.

This meeting is taking place at a time when there are pressing global issues such as geopolitical instability, economic risks, and climate change. This, in turn, requires new forms of international cooperation.

One of the main goals of the summit is to strengthen economic cooperation. The volume of trade between Central Asia and the European Union has quadrupled over the past seven years. Therefore, through this summit, it is planned to maintain this growth dynamic and further strengthen cooperation between the two regions.

Euronews: In recent years, the world has been changing rapidly: geopolitical instability, economic risks, and climate issues require new formats of international cooperation. In this context, the Central Asia – European Union summit signifies that relations are reaching a new level. Why is this process becoming more active now?

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Our regions are connected by deep historical roots, mutual interests, and a desire for close cooperation. We have a clear agenda for cooperation with the European Union, and these relations are based on almost thirty years of partnership.

Our cooperation with the European Union is based on mutually beneficial relations.

The Central Asia – European Union format is a unique cooperation platform that is unparalleled in terms of scale and institutional capabilities. The European Union, as the largest integration structure uniting 27 countries, including three leading G7 states (Germany, France, and Italy), is systematically developing cooperation with Central Asia.

Cooperation with the European Union covers a wide range of areas, from economy and investments to sustainable development, security, and digital transformation, and is based on long-term strategic priorities.

We regularly meet with our European partners. Today, the European Union is consistently developing trade and investment relations with Central Asian states. Over the past seven years, the trade turnover between Central Asia and the European Union has quadrupled, reaching 54 billion euros.

We are pleased that European businesses are showing increasing interest in trade and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan and the countries of the region.

The positive processes observed in our region are increasing the international community’s interest in Central Asia. This indicates that the region is forming as an important partner.

In this context, it is expected that at the Samarkand summit, a decision will be made on establishing a strategic partnership between Central Asian states and the European Union. This will elevate the cooperation between the two regions to a new level.

Euronews: Could you provide more details about the choice of Samarkand as the venue for the summit? What symbolic significance does this choice hold?

Mirziyoyev: Samarkand has been a center of trade, science, and diplomacy for centuries. Its fame is based on its ability to unite cultures, peoples, and ideas. Today, Samarkand is becoming a platform where important issues between Europe and Central Asia can be discussed.

Samarkand holds a special place in the centuries-old history of international relations. Six centuries ago, Amir Timur established active contacts with European rulers, striving to ensure free and secure trade.

Today, Samarkand is further enriching its historical diplomatic and political heritage and restoring its special role in international life.

Historically, from Samarkand, the world has been seen as unified and indivisible. This is the essence of the unique phenomenon called the “Spirit of Samarkand.” Today, an entirely new format of international cooperation is being built on this very foundation.

Euronews: What are your thoughts on the recent changes and priorities in Central Asia?

Mirziyoyev: First of all, Central Asia is the top priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Our region has historically experienced complex challenges. Territorial disputes, water and energy issues, transportation and communication problems, as well as security concerns, have posed threats to regional stability.

Recognizing these problems deeply, we made a strategic decision to gradually develop good-neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring states. This approach is based on the principles of mutual trust and respect, as well as consideration of common interests.

Today, Central Asia is becoming a region of constructive dialogue, trust, and comprehensive cooperation. We are confident that this process has become irreversible.

For this reason, the Samarkand summit plays an important role in bringing relations between the region and the European Union to a new level. Our goal is to develop effective cooperation based on mutual trust and to work together for common prosperity. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”