On October 26 this year, on the sidelines of the international scientific and practical conference “New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Global Transformation,” a meeting was held between the Director of the ISRS Eldor Aripov and the President of the Italian Mediterranean Institute for Asia and Africa Maurizio Barnaba and the Secretary General Vincenzo Valenti, who arrived in Uzbekistan as international observers for the parliamentary elections.

During the conversation, the prospects for the development of Uzbek-Italian relations were discussed. The parties acknowledged that today cooperation between the countries has acquired a strategic, sustainable and mutually beneficial character.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of intensifying interaction between specialized analytical centers of Uzbekistan and Italy. In this context, the work of the coordinating working group of experts of the two countries, which was launched in 2023 to exchange views and experience in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, was positively assessed.

At the end of the meeting, readiness was expressed to continue a productive dialogue on issues of mutual interest. Particular attention is planned to be paid to issues of transport and logistics, interconnectivity, business, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and use of water resources.

The Mediterranean Institute for Asia and Africa is a non-profit think tank founded in 2017. The aim of the Institute is to promote dialogue between Italy and the countries of Asia and Africa, to strengthen and promote international cooperation in the fields of economy and culture, science and research.

The Institute cooperates with many ministries and departments (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tourism, Parliament, etc.). It implements projects on internationalization of enterprises, cultural diplomacy, enhancing the value of heritage, and develops Roadmaps for the promotion of cultural and sustainable tourism. In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ISRS and ISMAA.