Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas paid a visit to Tashkent on 25 November, the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan said in a statement. 

In the course of his visit, he met with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulaziz Kamilov, the Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, the advisor to the Prime Minister Kahhyrridinov Mekhriddin and the deputy Minister of internal affairs Turakhodjaev Najmiddin.

During his visit, Vice President Schinas discussed with his Uzbek interlocutors the hybrid attack against the European Union, planned and carried out by the Belarusian regime. The situation in Afghanistan as well as other EU/Uzbekistan bilateral issues were also on the agenda. 

During his meetings, Vice-President Schinas thanked Uzbekistan for its prompt and significant response to the crisis, by no longer allowing citizens of six countries (Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon and Libya) to transit to Belarus through Uzbekistan airports. 

Vice-President Schinas assured that the European Union is a friend of Uzbekistan and is ready to foster cooperation on security, including on border management, and to engage in an ever stronger partnership on a broad range of policy areas. Vice President Schinas praised Uzbekistan as a hub for security and stability in the region.