Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Dec. 15 / Trend D.Azizov /
A meeting with the head of EU Delegation in Uzbekistan Norbert Jousten in connection with completion of his diplomatic mission in the country recently took place in Uzbek Foreign Ministry, the press service of the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
The sides exchanged views on the current state and future directions of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU in the priority areas of cooperation on international and regional issues.
Senior officials of Uzbek Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to Norbert Jousten for constructive contribution to development of bilateral relations in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Jousten, in turn, underlined constant support and favorable conditions created for his work.
Previously, it was reported that the decision on opening the EU Delegation in Tashkent for more effective coordination of cooperation issues with Uzbek partners, was made during the visit of President Islam Karimov's visit to Brussels in January 2011, and his talks with senior officials of EU Commission.
In late 2011, 64-year-old Norbert Jousten was appointed as the first Ambassador, Head of EU Delegation in Uzbekistan.
A solid institutional framework has been set between Uzbekistan and the EU, which covers almost all areas of cooperation.
The main emphasis of cooperation is made at fulfillment of the principles and undertaken obligations by the republic within the organization given new challenges and threats to security, international agenda and national interests of Uzbekistan
An important role in the relations between Uzbekistan and the EU countries is given to cooperation in trade, economic and investment fields. Currently, the EU ranks second among foreign trade partners of Uzbekistan
In 2011, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and the EU countries grew by nearly 20 percent and amounted to $2.367 billion. At present, 841 enterprises with European capital operate in Uzbekistan and 266 representatives of the EU countries' leading companies have been accredited.