On 16 December this year, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) hosted a meeting between ISRS First Deputy Director Akramjon Nematov and European Union Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar. The delegation also included EU Programme Manager Jana Kurpisa and Political Affairs Officer Michaela Zelenanska.

The parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects of cooperation between ISRS and the EU Delegation. Particular attention was paid to issues related to strengthening expert cooperation.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Toivo Klaar noted a steady trend towards further development of relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union. In his opinion, the analytical community plays an important role in this process, making a significant contribution to deepening mutual understanding, developing constructive dialogue and formulating practical recommendations for strengthening ties between the parties.

In this context, the results of the Fergana Peace Forum and the 8th Central Asia Expert Forum, held with the active participation of the EU Delegation, were summarised.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue regular exchanges of views between EU and Uzbekistan research institutions on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral partnership issues, including the organisation and implementation of joint activities.