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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Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
Uzbekistan is planning new measures to encourage marriages after the age of 21 and promote the use of prenuptial agreements as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening protections for women and children.
Escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. are raising economic concerns across Central Asia. Although the region lies far from the conflict, its economies remain closely tied to global energy markets and trade routes linked to the Persian Gulf.
Uzbekistan has expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of tensions in the Middle East, urging restraint and diplomatic resolution as the conflict begins to affect civilian aviation and regional security.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Organisers of the 13th Global Baku Forum outlined the agenda and key themes of the upcoming international gathering during a press conference in Baku ahead of the event, scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 March.
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, visited Azerbaijan on Wednesday. A meeting between Costa and President Ilham Aliyev was held to reaffirm the European Union’s support amid regional security concerns, particularly following recent Iranian attacks on Nakhchivan Airport.
A wave of attacks across Israel and southern Lebanon escalated on Wednesday (11 March), with authorities reporting up to 12 incoming missile and drone alerts over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly in good health and staying in a “safe place”, despite earlier reports that he had been injured during recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes, according to the country's president.
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