The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Uzbekistan held its seventeenth meeting on Monday, 24 April in Luxembourg. The meeting was chaired by Mr Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, on behalf of Mr Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The delegation of Uzbekistan was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov.

Discussions took place in a very open and constructive atmosphere. The two sides discussed Uzbekistan's ambitious programme of reforms, looking ahead to Uzbekistan’s upcoming referendum on proposals to amend its constitution, taking place on 30 April. The EU side welcomed the opportunity for Uzbekistan’s people to have a voice on this important reform, and stressed the EU’s support for meaningful consultation and public debate.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the completion, in July 2022, of negotiations for a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), and looked forward to the signature and entry into force of the EPCA once the necessary procedures have been concluded. This agreement represents an important step forward for EU-Uzbekistan relations, expanding the cooperation between the two sides into new areas and broadening the scope of their interactions.

The two sides also discussed issues of good governance, democratisation, human rights protection, and engagement with civil society. The EU side emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and raised the issue of prosecutions targeting certain bloggers and journalists. The EU side recalled its support for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the violence that occurred in July 2022 in Nukus, Karakalpakstan.

During their discussions, the two sides also touched on matters of regional and international interest, including the situation in Afghanistan and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU welcomed Uzbekistan’s active and constructive outreach to neighbouring countries and international partners.

 Official website of the Council of the EU and the European Council