TASHKENT, January 19, 2024 – A brief but notable meeting took place today between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as Meloni transited through Tashkent following visits to Oman, Japan, and South Korea. The impromptu discussion focused on bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Strengthening Ties: Italy and Uzbekistan Chart a Course for Deeper Collaboration
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The leaders reaffirmed commitments made earlier and explored new avenues for economic and cultural exchange.
- Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made on agreements reached in Samarkand in May 2025.
- Discussions centered on industrial projects involving Italian firms like Finopera, Anci, Pietro Fiorentini, and Danieli.
- Plans are underway for strategic dialogues, commission meetings, and a second Rectors’ Forum in 2026.
- Joint projects in textiles, geology, energy, and finance received particular attention.
The meeting, as reported by the Uzbek presidency, highlighted the active dialogue maintained at various levels, the increasing volume of trade, and the growing number of joint ventures, particularly with the Lombardy region of Italy. Arrangements for the orderly management of labor migration for Uzbek citizens were also acknowledged.
Industrial and Cultural Exchanges Take Center Stage
Mirziyoyev and Meloni specifically reviewed ongoing industrial cooperation projects spearheaded by prominent Italian companies.the recent establishment of a branch of the University of Tuscia in samarkand at the close of last year served as a tangible example of this collaboration. Looking ahead, both sides agreed to organize strategic dialogues between their foreign ministries, reconvene the intergovernmental commission, and host the second edition of the Rectors’ Forum in 2026.
Beyond economics, the leaders also discussed cultural initiatives, including plans for Uzbek Cinema Days in Italy and Italian Cinema Days in Uzbekistan. Support was also voiced for Uzbekistan’s participation in the upcoming venice Biennale and the organization of exhibitions of applied arts and museum collections in Milan throughout the year. The two presidents also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues.
President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to Prime Minister Meloni to undertake an official visit to Uzbekistan at a later date.
Focus on Critical Resources and Regional Stability
In a separate statement, Palazzo chigi noted that the two leaders also engaged in discussions concerning key crisis zones and critical sectors of bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on securing access to critical raw materials and bolstering the agro-industry. Both Meloni and Mirziyoyev underscored the strategic importance of the relat
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