Ambassador Riccardo Manara handed over copy of credentials, addressed to the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the sides underlined positive trends in bilateral relations. It was said that the sides hold regular political dialogue and strengthen inter-parliamentary relations.

It was underlined that the cooperation in trade-economic and investment spheres play key role in the Uzbek-Italian relations. Currently, there are 32 joint ventures, including 5 enterprises with 100% Italian capital. In the first half of 2011, trade turnover between two states hit US$125 million.

The sides underlined that upcoming session of the intergovernmental working group on trade, economic and industrial cooperation will allow to expand ties in this direction.

The parties positively rated contacts in cultural-humanitarian spheres. It was said that launch of Turin Polytechnic Institute in Tashkent is good example for this.