Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani has just opened the final summit of the third Italy-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting. The event, held at Villa Madama, was attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
“Italy views with great interest the political collaboration and opportunities presented to Italian companies in Central Asia: establishing a strategic partnership with Central Asian countries and strengthening economic and industrial cooperation in the fields of water resources, the environment, and higher education is a priority. For this reason, over 30 of the most important Italian companies and trade associations were invited to today’s meeting,” commented the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Italian Government has promoted the intensification of relations with countries in the region, as demonstrated by the business forums organised with Uzbekistan (June 2023), Kazakhstan (January this year) and Tajikistan (last April). These initiatives are in line with the growth diplomacy action carried out by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic network on the initiative of Minister Tajani. Business activities with other states in the region are currently being planned. Particular attention is being paid to regional projects in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, machinery and energy involving all the countries of Central Asia.
During the morning, thematic round tables were held on energy transition and global challenges, connectivity and higher education, and knowledge networks. Participants included not only the relevant Italian and Central Asian authorities, but also academics and representatives of the European Commission and of relevant trade associations.
