Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 14 November 2018, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov received a delegation of the Italian Republic led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano.

The sides exchanged views on the state and perspective directions for further deepening the Uzbek-Italian dialogue in political, diplomatic, trade, investment, cultural, humanitarian and other fields, as well as in the format of "Uzbekistan - European Union", discussed some issues of international and regional issues.

They considered proposals for upcoming contacts at various levels. It was noted that regular meetings of the leaders of the two countries will make it possible to intensify efforts to increase cooperation in all mutually acceptable areas.

The meeting emphasized mutual interest in increasing bilateral trade, which in January-September of this year exceeded US$206 million, which is almost 20% more than in the whole of 2017. It was said that holding the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade, Economic and Industrial Cooperation and Export Credits in early 2019 will make it possible to update the joint agenda in this key area.

The parties welcomed the forthcoming signing of an investment agreement between Uzbek Metallurgical Plant and the Italian company Danieli & C.Officine Mecchanicne S.p.A for the implementation of a joint project.

The meeting also addressed other issues of bilateral cooperation.

On the same day, the sixth round of the Uzbek-Italian political consultations was held at the Foreign Ministry.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of Italy Andrea Bertozzi.