The EU pays special attention to relations with the Central Asian countries which is evidenced by the visit of a delegation headed by Pierre Morel to Uzbekistan. The bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and EU countries amounts over US$1 billion a year. About 700 enterprises established in cooperation with investors from European countries are successfully operating in country.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov welcomed the high-ranking official to Uzbekistan and noted the developing cooperation in such spheres as education, standardization and certification, transport and energy.

Islam Karimov said: “Taking this opportunity, I would like to note the significance of your role and your contribution to strengthening relations between the EU and our region as well as between the EU and Uzbekistan.”

Pierre Morel thanked the head of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and congratulated him on his election as president of the country. He noted that the EU considered Uzbekistan as a reliable partner and said he supported comprehensive development of relations between Uzbekistan and the EU states.

The sides also discussed a number of other issues related to the current state of and prospects for relations between Uzbekistan and the EU countries.