Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 30 May 2025, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took part in the “Central Asia – Italy” summit held in Astana under the chairmanship of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The event was also attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — Sadyr Japarov, Emomali Rahmon, and Serdar Berdimuhamedow, respectively.

The main focus of the discussions was on prospects for further developing multilateral cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Italy. Particular attention was paid to expanding partnerships in the investment and technology sectors, the “green” economy, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

At the outset of his speech, the Uzbek leader emphasized that the event is seen as an important continuation of the agreements on strategic partnership between the Central Asian region and Europe, reached earlier this year in April at the summit in Samarkand. He noted Uzbekistan’s readiness to develop practical cooperation based on the technological, industrial, and intellectual potential of the countries in the region.

The growing demand for multilateral dialogue with Italy amid current global and regional political challenges, as well as the increasing importance of security and progress issues, was also highlighted. The region’s centuries-old historical trade and cultural ties with Italy provide a solid foundation for a new phase of comprehensive partnership.

The President of Uzbekistan presented his vision of the key priorities for interaction within the “Central Asia – Italy” format. Among the most important tasks, he identified the continuation of regular consultations at the level of foreign ministries to coordinate approaches on pressing international issues. He proposed establishing working mechanisms for multilateral cooperation and information exchange among security services to combat terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

In the economic sphere, the head of states noted with satisfaction the threefold increase in trade turnover and investments between Uzbekistan and Italy over recent years, as well as the successful implementation of technological cooperation projects with leading Italian companies. Given the strong position of the Italian business community in innovative development, it was proposed to create a permanent platform for business dialogue — the “Central Asia – Italy” Business Club under the auspices of the chambers of commerce and industry of the countries. Such meetings involving a wide range of entrepreneurs are planned to be held annually in the capitals of the region and Italy.

The President emphasized the importance of developing and adopting a comprehensive multilateral Program for Industrial and Technological Cooperation aimed at creating favorable conditions for technology transfer, introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, and the development of high-tech production. Priority areas include deep processing of mineral and agricultural raw materials, production of modern equipment for electrical engineering, chemical, textile, leather, food, and other industries, localization of component bases, and the creation of design centers with leading Italian brands.

For the implementation of regional projects, a special industrial park is being established in the Tashkent region under the management of a European operator. The significance of involving Italian states agencies SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds, to support such initiatives was emphasized.

Highly appreciating cooperation with Italy in the field of “green” transformation, the President called for the development of full-scale partnership through the launch of a multilateral platform to support national decarbonization programs. There is readiness to implement projects in renewable energy, including supplies of “green” energy to European Union countries, auditing and improving energy efficiency of enterprises, modernization of water infrastructure, and development of hydrogen technologies with the participation of leading Italian manufacturers and engineering firms.

Noting the successful work of the branches of Turin Polytechnic and the University of Pisa in Tashkent, the President welcomed the interest of other leading Italian universities in the region. As an initiative, he proposed organizing a scientific and educational Consortium “Central Asia – Italy” to conduct and fund research, academic exchange, and training in the fields of engineering, design, water conservation, and biotechnology.

Interest was also expressed in creating a tourism alliance to develop partnerships between leading tour operators and to create joint tourism products. The high interest of the Italian public in exhibitions and cultural events held in Rome and Florence was noted, with a proposal to hold a youth forum on the creative economy and cultural exchange of the region’s countries and Italy next year in Khiva.

Heads of states of Central Asia and the Italian Prime Minister spoke at the summit. A joint statement was adopted at the conclusion of the event.