Ashraf AboArafe reports
May 28–29, 2025 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Uzbekistan marks a significant milestone in the flourishing partnership between the two nations. This visit not only reaffirms the robust bilateral ties but also aims to inject new energy into a relationship that has grown steadily since diplomatic relations were first established in March 1992.
A Legacy of Diplomatic Engagement
Diplomatic presence was solidified early, with the Italian Embassy opening in Tashkent shortly after ties were formalized, followed by Uzbekistan inaugurating its mission in Rome in 1998. Since then, the relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership, underscored by the mutual opening of honorary consulates—Florence (2021) and Milan (2023)—fostering economic and cultural diplomacy.
Political Dialogue at the Highest Levels
High-level exchanges have intensified in recent years. In June 2023, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Italy, leading to the adoption of a landmark Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. In return, President Sergio Mattarella of Italy made an official visit to Uzbekistan in November 2023.
Foreign ministers have maintained regular contact, with meetings in 2019, 2021, and most recently in May 2024 during the third “Italy–Central Asia” Ministerial Conference in Rome—an initiative originally launched by Italy in 2019 to deepen regional cooperation with Central Asia.
Strengthening Parliamentary and Multilateral Cooperation
Interparliamentary relations are progressing steadily, supported by longstanding parliamentary cooperation frameworks since 2011 and the establishment of the “Italy–Central Asia” friendship group in 2023. Italy and Uzbekistan also collaborate closely within multilateral forums such as the UN, OSCE, EU, and WTO, with Italy strongly backing Uzbekistan’s WTO accession and its deepened engagement with the EU.
Expanding Trade and Economic Ties
Economic relations are on an upward trajectory. Bilateral trade grew from $172 million in 2017 to nearly $438 million in 2024. This growth has been facilitated by the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) trade regime and Uzbekistan’s 2021 accession to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
The bilateral Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade and Industrial Cooperation, established in 1992, continues to play a pivotal role in economic coordination.
The Uzbekistan–Italy Business Forum held in Rome in June 2023 resulted in over €9.2 billion worth of investment agreements, technological collaborations, and export contracts—an indication of growing investor confidence and mutual economic interest.
Industrial and Sectoral Collaboration
Italian investment and technology are playing a significant role in Uzbekistan’s development. Key projects include modernization of gas distribution, luxury rail tourism, saffron cultivation in Jizzakh, and livestock development.
Currently, 55 Italian-linked enterprises operate in Uzbekistan, including 24 fully owned by Italian investors. Nine Italian companies and the Italy–Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce are officially accredited in Uzbekistan.
The launch of direct flights between Tashkent, Milan, and Rome in March 2023 has further catalyzed business mobility and tourism.
Education, Culture, and People-to-People Exchange
Cultural and educational cooperation is thriving. Uzbek branches of Italian universities—Turin, Pisa, and the newly established University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Bukhara—are bridging academic ties.
In 2024, major cultural initiatives took place across Italy, including the exhibition “Uzbekistan: Avant-Garde in the Desert” in Florence and Venice, and Uzbek Cultural Days in Rome, Milan, and Viareggio.
The first Uzbekistan–Italy Rectors’ Forum in September 2024 brought together leaders from 68 higher education institutions, culminating in new agreements in education and research.
Italian participation in the Sharq Taronalari music festival and awards for Uzbek cinema at Rome’s Asiatica Festival illustrate deepening cultural affinity.
Sports and Youth Diplomacy
Sports ties are expanding, with the launch of the Italian Kurash Academy and the successful hosting of an international Kurash tournament in Rome. A Juventus football academy is now active in Tashkent, and cooperation in cycling and equestrian sports is underway.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Bilateral Cooperation
Prime Minister Meloni’s visit is poised to accelerate the implementation of past agreements and forge new pathways for cooperation. It is expected to reinforce the strategic dimension of Uzbekistan–Italy relations and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and regional connectivity.
As both countries pursue shared goals in economic development, cultural exchange, and multilateral diplomacy, their evolving partnership stands as a model of constructive engagement between the European Union and Central Asia.
