President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit, held talks in Samarkand. The parties discussed strengthening their strategic partnership and implementing the agreements reached in Rome in 2023, reports Gazeta.uz.
In recent years, trade between the two countries has tripled, while the number of joint ventures has doubled. Projects are actively developing in metallurgy, electrical engineering, agriculture, livestock, and tourism. In April, the second Rectors' Forum was held, and branches of the University of Turin and the University of Pisa are operating in Uzbekistan.
As a result of the bilateral talks, the parties agreed to launch a Technology Partnership Program with Italy. Priorities include deep processing of critical raw materials, production of components for the automotive industry, projects in electrical engineering, energy, the food and pharmaceutical industries. Plans also include the establishment of an industrial park in the Tashkent region under the management of a European operator.
The sides supported the initiative to create a joint investment fund, develop cooperation in agriculture, and launch new educational programs, including dual degrees and a branch of the Tuscia University. An agreement was reached to hold Italian Culture Days in Uzbekistan.
A labor migration agreement was signed. Following the talks, it was decided to prepare a “roadmap” for implementing the agreements reached.
After the talks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni traveled to Kazakhstan’s capital for an official visit, after which she will participate in the Central Asia–Italy Summit alongside the leaders of all Central Asian states.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 30, 2025