Belgium, where the capital of the European Union, Brussels, is located, plays a key role in shaping the pan-European policy and economic agenda. Brussels is not only the political center of Europe, but also a platform where the interests of leading international organizations, diplomatic missions and financial institutions intersect. It is here that decisions are made that determine the main direction of the EU's development and its relations with external partners.

The upcoming visit will be a major milestone in the history of Uzbekistan's bilateral relations and cooperation with the European Union. During the visit, it is planned to sign a new comprehensive Agreement on enhanced partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union, which is designed to bring cooperation to a qualitatively new level, reflecting the dynamic reforms and foreign policy activity of our country.

Relations with the European Communities began on April 15, 1992, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the EU Commission. On November 16, 1994, diplomatic relations were established, and in 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan was opened in Brussels, which also serves as a Mission to the EU. The EU Delegation has been operating in Tashkent since 2011.

Over the past period, three visits of the President of the European Council to Uzbekistan have taken place - in 2019, 2022 and 2025, as well as the visit of the President of the European Commission in 2025.

Uzbekistan is actively involved in the development of cooperation in the Central Asia-EU format. On June 2, 2023, in Cholpon Ata, the President of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, as part of the meeting of the leaders of Central Asia and the European Union. The President of Uzbekistan also met with the President of the European Council on September 18, 2023, as part of his participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Subsequent meetings of the President of Uzbekistan and the President of the European Council were held on December 1, 2023 in Dubai and on November 12, 2024 in Baku as part of participation in the UN climate summits.

On the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, on April 4, 2025, the first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand with the participation of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the heads of State of Central Asia. EU leaders also attended the opening of the Samarkand Climate Forum on April 4, 2025. Following the results of the first Central Asia-EU summit, a Joint Declaration was adopted, which announced the elevation of relations to the level of strategic partnership, and a Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation in the field of critical raw materials.

One of the key achievements in the relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union was our country's obtaining the status of a beneficiary of the GSP+ General System of Preferences, which opened access to the European market on preferential terms. This status not only stimulated the growth of Uzbek exports to Europe, but also recognized the country's progress in human rights, labor standards, the environment, and good governance.

The Uzbekistan-EU Subcommittee on Economy, Trade and Investment is an important mechanism for cooperation in the trade and economic sphere.

In 2024, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the EU countries amounted to $6.4 billion. In January-August 2025, this figure amounted to more than 4.5 billion dollars, and the portfolio of projects with European companies reached 30 billion euros.

Uzbekistan's strategic partners include Siemens, Linde Group, CLAAS, Airbus, Basf, Alstom, Total, Ogapo, OTP Group and others. There are 1,069 enterprises in Uzbekistan with investments from EU countries, including 304 companies with 100% European capital.

The EU consistently supports Uzbekistan's policy of democratic transformation, market reforms and good-neighborly relations in the region. Brussels is actively involved in projects for the development of energy and transport infrastructure, water resources, digitalization and education in Central Asia, considering Uzbekistan as one of the key partners of the region.

Cooperation with the EU in the cultural and humanitarian sphere is also showing growing dynamics. Uzbekistan is one of the active participants in the EU Erasmus+ educational program for 2021-2027 and the EU Horizon Europe research program for 2021-2027.

The signing of a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU will be a logical continuation of Uzbekistan's consistent foreign policy aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, openness and trust with Europe. The document covers a wide range of areas, from trade and investment to science, technology, culture and environmental protection.

This agreement will become a tool not only for deepening economic ties, but also for expanding political dialogue, ensuring sustainable development and jointly responding to global challenges. It symbolizes the recognition of Uzbekistan as a reliable partner pursuing a predictable, pragmatic and peaceful policy.

During the visit, the head of our state will meet with King Philippe of the Belgians. Belgium is one of Uzbekistan's important partners in Europe.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium are developing on the basis of mutual respect and trust. In recent years, there has been an intensification of political dialogue, an increase in economic contacts and an expansion of humanitarian cooperation. The two countries are engaged in constructive cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, innovation, green energy, logistics, education, culture, and others.

The Belgian side positively assesses the results of the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at liberalizing the economy, strengthening the rule of law, developing civil society and increasing the openness of the state. Brussels welcomes Tashkent's efforts to modernize all spheres of life, emphasizing that the reforms contribute to sustainable development and strengthen international confidence in Uzbekistan.

Thus, the upcoming official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Brussels and the signing of a new comprehensive agreement with the European Union will be a landmark event in the history of Uzbek diplomacy. This step will not only strengthen Uzbekistan's position in the European direction, but will also serve as a powerful impetus for further development of cooperation, expansion of trade, attraction of investments, exchange of technologies, innovations and ideas. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe, the center of European and international diplomacy, will become an arena where Europe's growing trust in Uzbekistan and recognition of its important role in ensuring stability, sustainable development and mutual understanding in Eurasia will be confirmed.

News agency "Dunyo".