President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hosted the EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore and Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, the presidential press service said.
The parties reviewed the progress in the human rights protection in Uzbekistan, as well as further steps to expand cooperation with EU institutions.
They commended the current high level and productive nature of multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In recent years, thanks to the GSP+ preferences presented by the European Union, there has been a dynamic growth in the volume of mutual trade and the number of successful investment projects. In addition, significant events are being held in the field of cultural and humanitarian exchange.
EU representatives reiterated EU’s strong support for the ongoing strategy of irreversible reforms in Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of the upcoming referendum on amendments to the Constitution. In particular, they welcomed the planned changes that provide for further enhance guarantees for human rights, including the introduction of the Miranda principle and Habeas Corpus, social and environmental rights, youth rights, the development of civil society institutions, the consolidation of the abolition of the death penalty, and more.
They also considered topical aspects of the regional agenda were also discussed, issues of preparation for upcoming joint events.
