Uzbekistan and the EU hold the second round of negotiations on an agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 25-26 June 2019, Brussels hosted the second round of negotiations on the Agreement on Extended Partnership and Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union (AEPC), the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said.

During the event, the parties were able to advance in many articles and sections of this important document, aimed at bringing the relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union to a qualitatively new level. Progress was also achieved thanks to active reforms in Uzbekistan.

The provisions discussed by the parties within the framework of the AEPC are consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Country Development Strategy adopted in 2017-2021 by the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The EU voiced its commitment to supporting reforms in Uzbekistan, including the development of a diversified and competitive economy, the country's integration into global world economic relations, and the improvement of the business and investment environment.

The Working Group on the Trade Part of the AEPC will continue negotiations until 28 June. It is planned to hold two more rounds of negotiations this year - one each in the city of Tashkent and the city of Brussels. The parties expressed their intention to make efforts to achieve significant progress in agreeing the text of the AEPC in the foreseeable future.

Negotiations took place in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere