The first day of the state visit to Italy by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, culminated in establishing a new strategic partnership between the two nations, reflecting the intensifying cooperation in fields such as politics, security, economy, energy, and the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

The official meeting ceremony held at the Quirinal Palace, the residence of the Italian President, welcomed President Mirziyoyev with a guard of honor, mounted cuirassiers, and the national anthems of both countries performed by the military band. The Presidents, joined by their official delegations, embarked on a bilateral meeting following the ceremonial events.

Subsequent talks between President Mirziyoyev and Italian Prime Minister, George Meloni, took place at the Chigi Palace, focusing on key areas for the development of their multifaceted cooperation. The leaders lauded the successful industrial collaborations between Italy and Uzbekistan, noting that the volume of mutual trade and investment has doubled in recent years. The discussion followed the signing of trade contracts and investment agreements valued over €9 billion during a business forum held the previous day.

The meeting also highlighted plans for advancing joint projects in technology and innovation and stimulating direct regional contacts. The leaders acknowledged the potential for deepening cooperation in the fields of culture, language learning, education, tourism, and underscored the importance of continuous humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

In a noteworthy development, the leaders adopted a Joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Italy. This declaration included the exchange of 11 interstate, intergovernmental, and interdepartmental documents designed to deepen multifaceted cooperation, including agreements on legal issues, industrial property, and agriculture.

President Mirziyoyev’s visit also included a stop at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) where he discussed with its Director General Qu Dongyu the expansion of their partnership to address global food security risks and modernization of the agrarian complex. Their conversation encompassed a range of topics from the development of a new full-scale Cooperation Program until 2030, to the preparation for the upcoming High-Level International Conference in Samarkand under the auspices of FAO.

Following a successful first day of meetings and discussions, President Mirziyoyev is set to continue his visit in Milan where the business program will take place tomorrow.