TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 25. As part of
his official visit to Brussels, President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with King Philippe of the
Belgians at the Royal Palace of Laeken to discuss the further
strengthening of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, and
investment spheres, Trend reports.
King Philippe highly appreciated the fruitful results of the
talks between the President of Uzbekistan and the leadership of the
European Union and sincerely congratulated the country on the
signing of the historic Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and
Cooperation with the European Union.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the steady development
of Uzbek-Belgian relations. Active contacts have been established
at the ministerial level, political consultations are held
regularly, and friendship groups have been formed in the
parliaments of both countries.
Mutual trade turnover continues to grow, and Belgian companies
are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, particularly in the
fields of textiles, logistics, and services. Last year, the Benelux
Chamber of Commerce opened its representative office in
Tashkent.
During the conversation, both sides underscored the importance
of organizing new business missions of Belgian companies to
Uzbekistan and holding joint cultural events.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev invited
King Philippe to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, a signing ceremony for the Enhanced Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union
took place in Brussels on October 24, in the presence of President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the European Council António
Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der
Leyen. The new agreement updates and significantly expands the
legal framework for Uzbekistan-EU relations, replacing the 1996
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
