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 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.
Uzbekistan and the Green Climate Fund are strengthening ties after talks in Tashkent, as both sides discussed joint climate projects and the Fund’s plan to establish a regional presence, though its location remains undecided.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in late May as part of a diplomatic tour, culminating in her participation in the first-ever Central Asia–Italy summit in Astana.
S&P Global Ratings has revised Uzbekistan’s outlook to positive from stable, affirming its 'BB-/B' ratings. The change reflects steady economic reforms, resilient growth, and support from high gold prices, which are helping stabilize the country’s fiscal and external positions.
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Slovenia, Uzbekistan and Slovenia signed several important agreements covering visa exemptions for diplomats, education, transport, smart cities, water management, and tourism to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool, has appeared in court after a car was driven into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s trophy parade earlier this week. The incident took place on Water Street, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the team’s Premier League title win.
Model Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion (£790 million), with plans for international expansion and continued viral success.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €25 million loan to Ofis Yem, a leading livestock feed producer in Türkiye, to support the company’s transition toward a green economy and the implementation of inclusive business practices.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
Political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Croatia creates a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in various fields.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Kazakhstan as an “strategic partner” in Central Asia during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, according to a statement from the Kazakh presidency issued today.
World leaders, policymakers, and innovators have gathered in Kazakhstan for the Astana International Forum 2025 as over 70 countries unite under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future.”
Azerbaijan has put forward a proposal to convene a summit focused on the ongoing shrinkage of the Caspian Sea. All five Caspian littoral states had been invited to take part in the consultations, stated Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijani President's Representative for Climate issues.
akistan and India are close to completing a military de-escalation along their shared border, returning to troop levels seen before the April 22 Kashmir attack that triggered the worst fighting in decades between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan’s top military official said on Friday.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool, has appeared in court after a car was driven into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s trophy parade earlier this week. The incident took place on Water Street, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the team’s Premier League title win.
Model Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion (£790 million), with plans for international expansion and continued viral success.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €25 million loan to Ofis Yem, a leading livestock feed producer in Türkiye, to support the company’s transition toward a green economy and the implementation of inclusive business practices.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment