Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19-20 May, the ambassadors of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Latvia and Poland held a series of video conferences with representatives of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats faction in the European Parliament, Dunyo reported.

The progressive alliance of socialists and democrats is one of the largest political groups in Europe, uniting the social democratic parties of 25 European countries. Before the 1999 elections, it was the largest in the European Parliament, where it currently ranks second with 147 of the 705 seats.

During the events, a thorough exchange of views on the state and prospects of multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union took place.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the consistent development of Uzbek-European cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The friendly nature of the bilateral partnership, which has been gaining positive momentum in recent years, was emphasized. In particular, only this year a number of contacts were held at the highest and highest levels.

The parliamentarians noted that they are following with great interest the large-scale transformations taking place in Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s constructive regional policy was highly appreciated, thanks to which a new political atmosphere was established in Central Asia and favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of the region.

The decisive and effective measures taken to counter the spread of coronavirus infection undertaken by the leadership of the republic are especially noted. The Uzbek side welcomed humanitarian assistance in the fight against the pandemic to foreign countries, including the EU member - Hungary.

The interlocutors expressed their sympathy and solidarity to the Uzbek people in connection with natural disasters in Bukhara and Syrdarya regions, noting the coordinated actions of the Uzbek authorities to eliminate their consequences.

MEPs stressed the need for further expansion of relations between Uzbekistan and the EU. It was noted that in this regard, the early conclusion of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union is important. The sides expressed their readiness to support this comprehensive document, which serves the interests of both parties.

The European side also supported the desire of Uzbekistan to become a member of the World Trade Organization and obtain the status of a beneficiary country of the General System of Preferences “GSP+”. It was hoped that these processes would be completed this year.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed on a number of joint activities in Brussels, including a long-term contact plan.