Shavkat Mirziyoyev and António Costa. Photo: Press service of the President of Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held an informal meeting with European Council President António Costa, according to the press service of the Central Asian leader.
The talks took place on the evening of April 2. The high-ranking EU official arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the «Central Asia–European Union» summit. As part of his visit, Costa also toured the ancient city of Bukhara, where he explored Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical heritage.
“The two leaders exchanged views on key bilateral and regional issues. Particular attention was given to preparations for the upcoming first regional summit,” the press service reported.
The main events of the «Central Asia–European Union» summit are scheduled for April 4. Participants are expected to discuss a broad range of topics:
✅ Strengthening multilateral cooperation;
✅ Addressing shared security challenges;
✅ Expanding economic, trade, and investment ties;
✅ Collaborating under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative in areas such as energy, climate-neutral economy, connectivity, and the green transition;
✅ Promoting people-to-people ties and mobility.
The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint statement by the leaders of Central Asian countries and the European Union.
The first «Central Asia–European Union» summit is being held in Samarkand on April 3–4. Attendees include European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the presidents of Uzbekistan (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), Kazakhstan (Kassym-Jomart Tokayev), Kyrgyzstan (Sadyr Japarov), Tajikistan (Emomali Rahmon), and Turkmenistan (Serdar Berdimuhamedow).
Held under the slogan “Investing in the Future,” the summit will also feature leaders from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank. Discussions will focus on enhancing multifaceted partnerships and practical cooperation between the region and the EU.
