Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's first visit to Central Asia has begun in Uzbekistan. In Samarkand, a high-level meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italian officials resulted in the signing of several protocols and intergovernmental agreements.
"The issues of further development of bilateral relations of strategic partnership and expansion of multifaceted cooperation were discussed," - said in the statement posted on the official website of Uzbekistan President.
The talks have been held ahead of the inaugural summit “Central Asia-Italy” to be hosted in Astana on Friday.
During high-level talks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan proposed launching a Program of Technological Partnership with leading Italian companies. This initiative aims to foster innovation-driven collaboration and attract advanced expertise across key industries.
Priority areas include support for private-sector innovation, deep processing of critical minerals and agricultural raw materials, and the production of components for the automotive industry. Additional focus areas include high-conversion manufacturing in electrical engineering, energy, food, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors. The initiative also envisions the creation of design centers in the textile, leather, and furniture industries.
To accommodate these efforts, a dedicated industrial park is planned in the Tashkent region, to be operated by a European management company.
In support of these projects, both sides will consider establishing a joint investment fund and involving Italian state agencies SACE and SIMEST to provide financing and insurance solutions.
Special emphasis was placed on advancing scientific and technological cooperation in agriculture, underpinned by a comprehensive “road map.” Prospective areas of collaboration include the cultivation of grapes, saffron, olives, and asparagus; establishment of agro-laboratories; development of biotechnology; and the introduction of agricultural insurance systems.
To promote further collaboration, it was agreed to resume the work of the Intergovernmental Group, which will reconvene alongside a business forum.
Expanding regional partnerships also featured prominently in the talks. Particular importance was placed on the upcoming visit of Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana and the first Uzbekistan–Italy Regional Forum, with the goal of securing concrete outcomes.
In the education sector, Uzbekistan will host a branch of the University of Tuscia, along with new dual-degree programs in cooperation with the universities of Pisa, Trento, Roma Tre, and Ca’ Foscari.
Finally, the two countries agreed to hold Days of Italian Culture in Uzbekistan, further deepening cultural ties between the nations.
As a result of the talks held in the city of Samarkand President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni adopted a Joint Declaration on strengthening the relations of strategic partnership.
In their presence a ceremony for the exchange of signed bilateral agreements was held, in particular:
- on the promotion and mutual protection of investments;
- on cooperation in the field of critical raw materials;
- on cooperation in the field of migration and mobility;
- on cooperation in the fields of sustainable development and environmental protection, as well as cultural heritage,
- on cooperation with the Climate Fund and the Italian Confederation of Agriculture, cooperation in the field of green development with “Sogesid” and “Ansaldo” companies;
- on partnership with the universities of Tuscia, Pisa and Turin.
During the official visit, documents were also signed with the National Research Center of Italy, “SIMEST” and “Danieli” companies, the University of Perugia and others.
Anti-migrant protests persisted across Britain on Sunday outside hotels housing asylum seekers, a day after police separated demonstrators and counter...
SpaceX launched its 50th Dragon spacecraft mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, delivering 5,000 lbs of supplies and scientific...
Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU-U.S. tariff agreement, calling it a "conscious decision" that prevented a trade war, while responding to Mari...
Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th of the year, intensified as it struck Hainan's coastal city of Sanya on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and heig...
Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel. Houthi media said at least two people ...
The President of Uzbekistan proposed developing a Global Agreement on Transit Guarantees for Landlocked Countries under the auspices of the United Nations. This initiative aims to ensure fair access to seaports and communication networks, reduce the risks associated with cargo transportation.
Uzbekistan has officially approved a new concept aimed at overhauling its system of military professional education, focusing on modernization, integration, and broader career opportunities for service members.
Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, held a meeting with Pedro Vargas, CEO of the Portuguese investment firm Alpac Capital and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews, to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in the financial sector
AnewZ Original Series 'Destination' takes you to Uzbekistan’s largest ski destination and the most modern ski resort in Central Asia: The Amirsoy Mountain Resort.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Gaza authorities warned on Sunday that relocating 1.3 million civilians from the territory’s north to the south is “almost impossible” as Israel prepares to occupy Gaza City.
Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel. Houthi media said at least two people were killed and five injured.
Azerbaijan and Russia’s foreign ministers held a phone conversation on 23 August, focusing on bilateral cooperation and key regional security issues.
Hundreds of Israeli families and activists rallied outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas and an end to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections under the new Islamist administration next month, but several provinces will be excluded due to ongoing security concerns.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment