Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a meeting between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, issues related to the further development of multifaceted partnership were discussed. Special attention was given to promoting economic and investment cooperation projects, as well as strengthening practical interaction in the defense sector.

The UAE delegation included key ministers, such as Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Suhail bin Mohammed Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touk Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy.

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum conveyed warm greetings from the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome.

The discussions focused on forming a new long-term agenda for mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of investments, innovations, "green" energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, ecology, digital transformation, and tourism. An agreement was also reached on adopting a "roadmap" for developing cooperation in strategic sectors.

The UAE remains one of Uzbekistan’s key partners in the Asian region. The latest high-level contacts took place at the Global Climate Summit in Dubai last December. In 2023, trade turnover between the countries increased by 21%, reaching US$626 million. More than 320 enterprises with Emirati capital operate in Uzbekistan, and the portfolio of joint projects is estimated at US$20 billion.