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.

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Uzbekistan Italy bilateral cooperation