On 28 July 2021, Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Kamilov. During their conversation which took place via videolink, they discussed bilateral cooperation, development of the relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan, and the situation in Central Asia.
The Ministers commended the active political dialogue between Latvia and Uzbekistan and the constructive and pragmatic bilateral cooperation which has been taking place. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed interest in continuing the high level exchange of visits, taking epidemiological conditions into consideration.
The Ministers affirmed their interest in expanding and strengthening cooperation in business and trade, education, agriculture, culture and people-to-people contacts.
The Foreign Ministers underlined their satisfaction with good cooperation taking place in international organisations. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed support for the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that was concluded between the EU and Uzbekistan and congratulated Uzbekistan on beginning talks for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Abdulaziz Kamilovs expressed his appreciation for Latvia’s support in development of relations with the European Union highlighting Latvia’s role in the BOMCA, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan spoke positively of the participation of Latvia’s Minister of Agriculture, Kaspars Gerhards, at the international conference entitled “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” which took place in Tashkent from 15 July – 16 July on the goal of facilitating connectivity between the two regions, as well as economic growth, security and stability.
During their meeting, the Foreign Ministers also talked about the situation in Afghanistan and its effect on security in the region and participation of the international community in facilitating the peace process for Afghanistan.