Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 25 April 2025, a roundtable discussion titled "Uzbekistan and Italy: New Horizons of Cooperation" was held at Samarkand State University.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture, the embassies of both countries, as well as leading universities from Uzbekistan and Italy.

The roundtable gathered rectors and vice-rectors from 17 universities in Uzbekistan and 7 universities in Italy. Opening remarks were delivered by Kongirotboy Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan; Alisher Shukurov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture; Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini, Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan; and Abat Fayzullaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy.

In his speech, Minister Kongirotboy Sharipov emphasized that cooperation in education and science between the two countries is expanding, as a result of the strategic vision of the nations' leaders.

The Minister also highlighted successful projects such as the branches of the Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa in Tashkent, as well as the activities of the Uzbekistan-Italy Engineering School. These educational institutions play a vital role in training young professionals.

It is noteworthy that over the past two years, more than 100 faculty members from Uzbekistan have completed internships at Italian universities, and more than 700 students in Uzbekistan are currently studying the Italian language. To date, over 50 agreements between higher education institutions of the two countries have fostered effective collaboration.

During the event, rectors from universities in Samarkand, Tashkent, and other cities, along with representatives from Italian universities — including Perugia, Pisa, Tuscia, Roma Tre, Ca’ Foscari, Trento, Insubria, and others — delivered presentations.