Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a meeting of heads of delegations in the "Central Asia - European Union" format in Astana.

The event was also attended by President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Hodjamyrat Geldimyradov.

In accordance with the agenda, the prospects for the development of political dialogue, the expansion of interregional cooperation, the intensification of trade and economic cooperation and cultural and humanitarian exchanges were discussed.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his speech highlighted the key priorities of the strategy of irreversible reforms in the New Uzbekistan - the formation of a strong rule of law state with effective market mechanisms, as well as a high level and comfortable living conditions.

- We are not resting on our laurels and intend to increase the scale of transformations. First of all, we are talking about the unconditional rule of law, all-round support for civil society institutions, ensuring human rights and gender equality, freedom of speech and religion, the head of state emphasized.

It was noted that in the economic dimension, the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurs will continue to be created, an uncompromising fight against corruption will continue, and the development of a competitive and innovative business environment will be encouraged.

Particular attention was paid to promoting the agenda of good neighborliness and regional partnership.

As Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, “as a result of joint efforts, a completely new political atmosphere has formed in Central Asia. In a few years, many problems that had been accumulating for decades, in the solution of which practically no one believed, were resolved.

Today the situation has changed dramatically. A visa-free regime has been introduced, all checkpoints are open. The frequency of flights and ground transportation has increased.

Cooperative ties are being strengthened, joint investment companies and other financial instruments for the implementation of large projects have been created.

- Of course, there are still unresolved issues in the region. But we are convinced that our strong political will and common creative spirit will contribute to the further rapprochement of the fraternal countries and peoples of the region, the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized.

In this regard, speaking for the consistent deepening of cooperation between our region and the European Union, the President of Uzbekistan identified a number of priority areas.

First of all, the solution of a complex of issues for the development of trade and economic cooperation. It:

- ensuring that our industrial products comply with high European standards and technical regulations;

- creation of efficient transport and logistics corridors for optimal entry into the EU market, taking into account current restrictions, primarily the development of the Trans-Caspian multimodal route;

- conducting joint marketing research and targeted events and promotions so that goods from Central Asian countries are recognizable and in demand by European consumers;

- meeting the great need for European investment and technology.

To systematically address all these issues, Shavkat Mirziyoyev made proposals to establish the Committee for Economic Cooperation "European Union - Central Asia" at the level of Deputy Prime Ministers and develop a Strategic Program to deepen trade and economic cooperation and develop transport and communication interconnectedness, covering the goals and objectives of the initiative " Global Gateway.

In addition, he suggested that the European side actively join the implementation of the Green Agenda program adopted in our region, in particular, the introduction of eco-innovations, energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies, the digitalization of economic sectors and the development of “smart” agriculture through the European network.” Smart-AKIS”, as well as harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources.

In the humanitarian sphere, the need to intensify cooperation in such areas as education and innovation exchanges, cultural and tourism ties was indicated.

Within the framework of the Erasmus + and Horizon Europe programs, it was proposed to implement a project to introduce advanced European educational methods, as well as to organize joint fundamental and applied research.

In order to widely familiarize European partners with the unique historical heritage, rich culture and traditions of the peoples of our region, it is planned to hold major exhibition events in the Louvre in Paris in the second half of November.

- We stand for the joint holding of such events on an annual basis - in the capitals and cultural centers of European countries, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He also pointed to the huge potential in tourism and offered to organize a presentation for the leading European operators of the concept of a common regional tourism product during the first EU-Central Asia Tourism Forum in Khiva next year.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the key area of cooperation is to ensure regional security. He highly appreciated the practical assistance of the European Union within the framework of joint programs to combat terrorism, radicalism and extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking and other common challenges.

Based on international practice, it was proposed to establish cooperation between our special services and law enforcement agencies to exchange information and jointly counter modern threats.

The similarity of the views of the parties on the issue of the Afghan settlement was noted.

Uzbekistan regularly provides humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, does not stop the supply of electricity, oil products and food, does not stop the transit of goods through our country in the direction of Afghanistan.

The readiness to continue fruitful cooperation with European partners in using the potential of logistics and educational hubs in our border city of Termez was indicated.

The President of our country emphasized that "the global and regional situation has radically changed, which today requires more active support by European partners of the integration processes in Central Asia."

In this regard, it was proposed to consider the possibility of adopting a multilateral program document - a "road map" to accelerate the implementation of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia" and strengthen partnerships.

Confidence was expressed that these issues will be substantively considered during the upcoming joint Ministerial Conference on Interconnectivity, which will be held next month in Samarkand.

At the end of the speech, the commitment of Uzbekistan to an open, systematic and productive dialogue in the “European Union - Central Asia” format was reaffirmed in the interests of stability, sustainable development and prosperity of our countries.