Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 25 July 2022 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov met with the Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan Thomas Nicklasson, who arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the International Conference "Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development".

According to Thomas Nicklasson, the European Union fully supports the regional policy and initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen friendship, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in Central Asia. Thanks to this, historical transformations have taken place in the region in a short period, political dialogue at the highest level is being strengthened, and trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are expanding.

Topical issues of interaction between Uzbekistan and the EU were discussed. The parties welcomed the initialing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Uzbekistan and the European Union and noted the need to sign this important document as soon as possible.

A thorough exchange of views took place on the current situation in Afghanistan.

According to Niclasson, Brussels highly appreciates the political and diplomatic efforts and the special role of Uzbekistan in the settlement of the Afghan problem. The interest of the European Union in continuing a regular dialogue with Tashkent on the regional agenda was reported.

The European side noted the timeliness of the International Conference on Afghanistan. It was emphasized that the high level of the participants in the event testifies to the key role of Uzbekistan and the recognition of the efforts of the republic in the Afghan settlement. The event also demonstrates the consistency of the policy of official Tashkent and its readiness to make a significant contribution to the establishment of peace on Afghan soil. In this context, a high assessment was given to the activities of the international Multifunctional transport and logistics hub for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.