The European Union was represented by a delegation led by the Federal Minister for Europe, Integration, and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria Karin Kneissl.
The sides exchanged views on key issues of bilateral agenda, discussed priorities for further development of cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian and other areas.
Closeness or coincidence of positions and assessments on almost all discussed subjects and interest in further development of mutually beneficial partnership on long-term basis were confirmed.
An agreement was reached on the beginning, on November 23, of negotiations on an Agreement of enhanced partnership and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union, which will replace existing from July 1, 1999 the Agreement on partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Communities and their member states.
The European Union confirmed its readiness to assist Uzbekistan in joining World Trade Organization.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the sides also discussed some international and regional issues. In particular, the sides agreed to actively cooperate in promoting peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.
Following the meeting, Abdulaziz Kamilov and Karin Kneissl held a press conference.
