Brussels: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to begin a significant two-day visit to Brussels on Thursday, aiming to finalize an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union. Tashkent announced the visit on Wednesday, highlighting the strategic importance of this diplomatic engagement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Uzbek presidency confirmed that President Mirziyoyev will be in the Belgian capital on October 23-24, following an invitation from European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening and expanding the relationship between Tashkent and Brussels, particularly building on the high-level agreements from the inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand on April 4.

The Uzbek presidency's statement emphasized the importance of promoting specific projects and programs aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade, economy, investment, finance, innovation, energy, transport, communications, science, and education. A key highlight of the visit will be the anticipated signing of an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Uzbekistan and the EU.

Earlier this week, during the 18th EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council in Luxembourg, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political and economic ties. The meeting, held on Tuesday, reviewed the progress in bilateral relations ahead of the expected signing of the EPCA, as noted in a corresponding EU press release. Uzbekistan and the EU have been collaborating under a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in effect since 1999.