His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Dear Mr. President, let me, on behalf of the European Union, congratulate you on the thirtieth anniversary of your country’s independence.
Uzbekistan may be a young country, but it is based on a proud and ancient heritage. During the years of independence, your country has achieved a lot, strengthening its position in the region and the world.
Under your leadership, Uzbekistan has rebuilt bridges between neighbors and has taken a leading role in promoting stability and peaceful cooperation in your region. Interaction in overcoming global and regional challenges is one of the priorities of our cooperation, which is becoming very relevant in the light of the recent developments in Afghanistan.
The European Union has been fruitfully cooperating with your country for three decades on the basis of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Our relationship continues to strengthen, and it was only this spring that we welcomed Uzbekistan’s opportunity to use the GSР + trade preference scheme as a recognition of your country’s achievements in joining international conventions, including in areas such as environmental governance and human rights.
We hope to bring our relationship to a new stage of active cooperation as we conclude our negotiations on an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The conclusion of this agreement would be an appropriate way to mark the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and our bilateral relations, reflecting the progress made in the implementation of your modernization and reform program.
With this in mind, I have asked the newly appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, to discuss further opportunities for developing our regional and bilateral cooperation in key areas with your government during her visit to Uzbekistan.
Dear President Mirziyoyev, while transmitting a congratulatory message to you as the leader of the country, let me express the hope that you and I will have the opportunity to meet in the near future when your planned visit to Brussels takes place.
Please accept, dear President, the assurances of my highest consideration.
With deep respect,
Charles Michel,
President of the European Council
