Uzbekistan, EU discuss prospects to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Uzbekistan and the EU discussed prospects for expanding their mutually beneficial cooperation Thursday, ahead of a summit with the participation of other Central Asian nations.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the city of Samarkand as part of the program for the first Central Asia-EU Summit, according to a statement from Uzbekistan’s presidency.

“An exchange of views took place on the prospects for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU,” the statement said.

It also mentioned that discussions included plans for an interregional summit and a climate forum, both scheduled for Friday.

The talks were held ahead of the first-ever Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand, where European Council President Antonio Costa will represent the 27-member bloc.