The Cooperation Council reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to see their bilateral relations strengthen across a number of areas and took stock of the progress made in the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Uzbekistan and the EU Strategy for Central Asia, which provides the overall framework for EU-Uzbek relations.

The Cooperation Council underscored the value of maintaining focus on comprehensive implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia both on regional and national basis and welcomed Uzbekistan’s involvement in the EU regional initiatives for Central Asia.

The Cooperation Council discussed a number of issues of importance to both parties, notably political reforms, rule of law and human rights, trade and economic relations, including the impact of the international economic and financial crisis, regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues.

The Cooperation Council provided an opportunity to exchange views on the impact of the international economic and financial crisis and the socio-economic situation in the country. Uzbekistan was also reminded of the importance of improving the business and investment climate, paying particular attention to the fight against corruption, tackling red-tape and securing an independent judiciary.

The Cooperation Council discussed regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues, including Afghanistan, Iran and Russia. The Cooperation Council underlined the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the region. In this context, the Cooperation Council called on the Central Asian partners to search for a durable settlement regarding water management and energy issues in the region, which would take into account all interests and preserve unity in the region.

The plenary meeting was chaired by the Head of the EU delegation, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Mr Frank Belfrage. Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for CFSP, chaired the political dialogue lunch. Also present were Mr Pierre Morel, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Mr Hugues Mingarelli, Deputy Director General for External Relations at the European Commission, and Mr Diego López Garrido, State Secretary for the European Union at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain. The Uzbek delegation was led by Mr Vladimir Norov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.