According to the envoy, Austria highly rate partnership relations with Uzbekistan and the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, key country in the region, to the European Union is another important step.

Michael Postl stated that Austria always assisted and wants to continue to help to development more closer dialogue between Brussels and Tashkent on issues of mutual interest.

Austrian envoy said that one of results of the Uzbek leader’s visit to Brussels became decision to open EU representative office in Tashkent, which allows countries, such as Austria, effectively coordinate cooperation issues with the Uzbek partners.

Michael Postl said that another important result of the visit is signing of memorandum of cooperation in energy sector. He said it is important document for Europe and shows openness and readiness of Tashkent to hold dialogue on energy issues.

Ambassador said that this agreement once again confirms constructive approach of Tashkent to international cooperation issues, including ensuring regional energy security.

As earlier reported, both documents were inked within the visit of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov to Brussels on 24 January 2011.