Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Brussels hosted the 19th meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Internal Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Head of the Central Asia Department of the European External Action Service, Dietmar Crissler, and the Deputy Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan, Muzraf Ikramov.

During the event, issues of interaction in the field of the rule of law and strengthening civil society, as well as improving the judicial and legal sphere were considered.

The parties also discussed ongoing projects in the field of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, promoting border management, developing customs, as well as prospects for developing bilateral ties in these areas.

The Uzbek side provided detailed information on the large-scale transformations carried out in New Uzbekistan in the political, legal and socio-economic spheres. It was emphasized that the recent constitutional reform in the country laid a solid foundation for the further sustainable development of statehood and the economy of the republic.

The European side welcomed the positive changes in Uzbekistan, especially in the development of civil society institutions. The successful holding in Tashkent in March 2023 of the civil forum "Central Asia - European Union" was noted.

Representatives of the European Union expressed their readiness to assist in the implementation by the republic of consistent reforms aimed at further ensuring the rule of law in the country, in particular within the framework of its obligations to comply with relevant international conventions and agreements.

The meeting was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, the participants reached an agreement on the further development of practical cooperation that meets the interests of both parties.

It should be noted that this Subcommittee was established in January 2002 following the meeting of the Uzbekistan-European Union Cooperation Council. Since 2007, the Subcommittee has also carried out a dialogue on human rights.