BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Uzbekistan and the
European Union discussed prospects for expanding bilateral
cooperation and preparations for upcoming high-level meetings
during talks in Tashkent on Oct. 8.
This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, following a meeting between Uzbek Deputy Foreign
Minister Muzaffar Madrakhimov and Eduards Stiprais, the European
Union’s special representative for Central Asia, to review the
current state of relations and identify opportunities for further
cooperation.
The discussions focused on organizing upcoming joint events at
the highest and senior levels, including their agendas and
substantive priorities.
The sides also emphasized the importance of expanding practical
cooperation in areas of mutual interest and making more effective
use of existing bilateral engagement mechanisms.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular
dialogue to further strengthen relations between Uzbekistan and the
EU.
The European Union and Uzbekistan have maintained diplomatic and
economic relations since Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991. On
Oct. 24, 2025, the two sides signed an Enhanced Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) to broaden cooperation and modernize
the framework governing their relations, including trade and
economic ties. The agreement has been provisionally applied since
March 1, 2026, providing a broader basis for cooperation in areas
including investment, governance and sustainable development.
