Mirziyoyev participates in “Central Asia–Italy” summit (video)

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the "Central Asia–Italy" summit held in Astana on May 30, as reported by the presidential press service.

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

The summit focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation between Central Asia and Italy. Key topics included boosting partnerships in investment and technology, advancing the green economy, and expanding educational and cultural programs.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the summit builds upon the strategic partnership agreements reached between Central Asia and Europe during the Samarkand summit in April this year.

He noted that this format aims to foster effective practical cooperation, leveraging the technological, industrial, and intellectual potential of the participating countries.

Addressing the agenda items, Mirziyoyev outlined several priority areas for collaboration within the Central Asia–Italy framework.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between foreign ministries to coordinate responses to pressing global issues. He also proposed the creation of multilateral mechanisms for information exchange and joint action between security services to combat terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

In the economic sphere, Mirziyoyev welcomed the tripling of trade and investment volume between Uzbekistan and Italy in recent years. Given Italy’s strong reputation for innovation, he proposed establishing a permanent business dialogue platform—the Central Asia–Italy Business Club—under the auspices of the countries' chambers of commerce and industry. These meetings would take place annually across Central Asia and Italy.

The Uzbek President also outlined promising areas of cooperation, including the deep processing of mineral and agricultural resources, the production of modern equipment for key industries, localization of components and products, and the establishment of design centers in collaboration with top Italian brands.

He announced the creation of a special industrial park in the Tashkent region, managed by a European operator, to implement regionally significant projects.

Mirziyoyev also underscored the importance of involving Italian state agencies such as SACE and SIMEST, along with joint investment funds, to support bilateral cooperation initiatives.

Praising the fruitful collaboration with Italy in the green transformation sector, the President called for the creation of a multilateral platform to support national efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to implement joint projects in renewable energy, supply green electricity to EU countries, modernize water infrastructure, improve energy efficiency in enterprises, and develop hydrogen technologies—with the participation of Italian firms.

Turning to education, Mirziyoyev noted the effective operation of Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa’s branches in Tashkent and highlighted growing interest from other leading Italian institutions in the region. He proposed the establishment of a scientific and educational consortium, "Central Asia–Italy," to support research, academic exchanges, and training programs in fields such as engineering, design, water conservation, and biotechnology.

Additionally, he expressed interest in forming a tourism alliance involving leading tour operators to develop joint tourism products.

The summit also noted with satisfaction the enthusiastic response of the Italian public to cultural events and exhibitions held in Rome and Florence.

A proposal has been made to hold a forum on the creative economy and cultural exchange between the youth of Central Asia and Italy in Khiva next year.

During the summit, the leaders of the Central Asian countries and the Prime Minister of Italy delivered speeches. A Joint Statement was adopted at the conclusion of the event.

It is worth noting that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Samarkand on an official visit on May 28. She was personally welcomed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Samarkand International Airport. Following her arrival, the leaders visited Registan Square and the “Immortal City” historical and ethnographic park at the Silk Road Samarkand International Tourism Center. An official welcoming ceremony for Giorgia Meloni was held on May 29 in Samarkand. That same day, she met with President Mirziyoyev at the Samarkand Congress Center.