President Mirziyoyev calls for stronger Central Asia–Italy cooperation at Astana summit

The summit was also attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The sides focused on expanding multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy, with special attention given to partnerships in investment, technology, green economy, and the implementation of educational and cultural initiatives.

In his opening remarks, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that Uzbekistan views the summit in the context of the strategic partnership agreements reached during the April 2024 summit in Samarkand between Central Asia and the European Union.

He highlighted Uzbekistan’s intention to foster practical, results-oriented cooperation in this format, taking into account the technological, industrial, and intellectual potential of the participating nations.

President Mirziyoyev noted the growing relevance of a multilateral dialogue platform with Italy, especially in light of current global and regional political dynamics, as well as shared security and development challenges.

He pointed out that the centuries-old history of trade and cultural relations between Central Asia and Italy provides a solid foundation for comprehensive partnerships in this new phase.

Addressing the summit’s agenda, the President outlined Uzbekistan’s vision for key priorities in the “Central Asia – Italy” format.

He stressed the importance of maintaining regular contacts between foreign ministries to coordinate positions on major international issues. He also proposed launching working mechanisms for multilateral cooperation and information exchange among special services to combat terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

In the economic domain, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the threefold increase in trade and investment between Uzbekistan and Italy in recent years. He noted the successful implementation of technological cooperation projects with leading Italian firms.

Given Italy’s traditionally strong business presence in innovative sectors, he proposed establishing a permanent business dialogue platform – the Central Asia – Italy Business Club – under the auspices of the countries’ chambers of commerce. These forums, with broad participation from entrepreneurs, would be held annually in the capitals of Central Asian countries and Italy.

The President also stressed the need to develop and adopt a comprehensive multilateral Program for Industrial and Technological Cooperation, which would create favorable conditions for technology transfer, implementation of advanced knowledge and best practices, and the establishment of high-tech industrial facilities.

Based on previous successful cooperation, he identified priority areas such as deep processing of mineral and agricultural resources; production of modern equipment for the electrical, chemical, textile, leather, food, and other processing industries; localization of component production and industrial goods; and creation of design centers in partnership with top Italian brands.

President Mirziyoyev also announced the establishment of a special Industrial Park in the Tashkent region, to be managed by a European operator, to facilitate regional projects.

He underlined the importance of involving Italy’s public agencies SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds, in supporting cooperation projects.

Acknowledging fruitful collaboration with Italy in green transformation, the Uzbek leader called for the launch of a multilateral platform to support national decarbonization programs.

He confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to implement projects in renewable energy, including exporting green electricity to EU countries, conducting energy audits and improving energy efficiency of enterprises, modernizing water infrastructure, and developing hydrogen technologies in partnership with leading Italian producers and engineering firms.

Highlighting the successful operations of branches of the Polytechnic University of Turin and the University of Pisa in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the growing interest of other leading Italian universities in the region.

He proposed establishing a Central Asia – Italy Scientific and Educational Consortium to fund research projects, academic exchange programs, and training in engineering, design, water-saving technologies, and biotechnology.

He also expressed interest in launching a tourism alliance to foster collaboration among major tour operators and develop joint tourism products.

The President noted the strong public interest in Italy toward Uzbek exhibitions and cultural events recently held in Rome and Florence.

In this context, he proposed organizing a Creative Economy and Cultural Exchange Youth Forum in Khiva next year, bringing together young talents from Italy and Central Asia.

The summit concluded with speeches from other Central Asian leaders and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A Joint Statement was adopted as the outcome of the event.