The interview given by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to "Euronews" ahead of the first "Central Asia - European Union" summit in Samarkand, has attracted wide public attention. This interview is of strategic importance. It is significant not only because it concerns our country but also because it addresses global issues that are in the focus of the entire world.

   In this interview, President Mirziyoyev evaluated the upcoming summit as a "truly historical" event in the relations between Central Asia and the European Union.

   The President answered the 10 questions posed to him clearly, scientifically, and logically. Here are some reflections related to the interview.

    This summit is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing common issues, including discussions on geopolitical instability, economic risks, and climate change.

   President Mirziyoyev emphasized the efforts of Uzbekistan efforts in expanding investment opportunities in cooperation with the European Union, simplifying trade procedures, and harmonizing standards. He also proposed coordinating the European Union's "Global Gateway" strategy with important regional projects such as the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan transport corridors.

   Recognizing the important role of Central Asia in global supply chains, President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of developing transport and logistics corridors. He also emphasized that the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Uzbekistan and the European Union would strengthen trade and investment relations.

   While discussing regional security issues, President Mirziyoyev suggested strengthening cooperation to combat common threats such as terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime. Uzbekistan's pragmatic approach towards Afghanistan and its efforts aimed at regional stability were also highlighted as priorities.

  On the issue of climate change, Uzbekistan presented the "Regional Green Development Concept," which includes clean energy cooperation with the European Union. This initiative focuses on renewable energy sources and "green" technologies.

   At the conclusion of the summit, the adoption of the "Samarkand Declaration" is significant, as this document will serve as a roadmap for strategic cooperation. President Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that this summit would take the relations between Central Asia and the European Union to a new level.

   The interview of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with "Euronews" has shown the new stage of cooperation between Central Asia and Europe. In this interview, Uzbekistan's directions for international cooperation and its viewpoints on regional and global issues ahead of the first Central Asia - European Union summit were articulated.

   Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Central Asia and European countries in the fields of transport, trade, energy, ecology, and development. It was said that this summit could become an important platform for stability, security, and economic development in the region.

   The President talked about Uzbekistan's reforms in the field, particularly in economic liberalization, developing foreign trade, and attracting foreign investments. He also highlighted the contribution of the "New Uzbekistan" strategy to regional and international cooperation.

  The importance of transport corridors connecting Central Asia and Europe was discussed, including logistics opportunities along the "Central Asia - South Caucasus - Europe" routes. This is crucial for ensuring economic growth in the countries of the region.

   The necessity to strengthen cooperation on issues such as the situation in Afghanistan, terrorism, and migration was particularly emphasized. Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan's contribution to regional security.

    The significance of cultural dialogue and human-centered approaches in international cooperation was also pointed out.

   This interview demonstrates Uzbekistan's active participation in the region and its intent to further develop relations with Europe. The Central Asia - European Union summit is undoubtedly an important step in this direction.

   The European Union, which brings together 27 countries, including three members of the "Big Seven" (Germany, France, and Italy), is the largest integration structure that has established systematic cooperation with Central Asia on an interregional level. This interview can be considered a guide and reference for further cooperation.

   The President responded fairly and impartially to issues directly related to our direction. We, Dodo President, propose developing the "EU - Central Asia Green Partnership" program. Within its framework, we can combine efforts in financing projects related to renewable energy sources, ecosystem restoration, and digital climate monitoring.

   We consider it important to unite efforts in the area of water resource conservation. In this regard, there are great opportunities for cooperation with the European Union in areas such as modernizing irrigation infrastructure, monitoring glaciers, and introducing advanced water-saving technologies.

    Another priority is the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, the large-scale program "Green Belt of Central Asia," which includes greening the Aral Sea region, as well as the improvement of the education system in the ecological field and conducting scientific research. The establishment of the first "Green" university in our region, which will serve as an effective platform for joint research and the introduction of innovations, was also mentioned.

   In short, this summit has marked a new chapter in the development of relations between Central Asia and the European Union.

 Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov, 

Professor at "TIIAME"National Research University, 

Member of the Union of Writers and Journalists of Uzbekistan.