Uzbekistan Think Tank Delegation Strengthens Ties with European Counterparts in Brussels
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: As part of their official visit to Brussels, a delegation representing leading analytical centers from Uzbekistan held a productive meeting with Lin Goethals, Director of the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS). The delegation included heads and experts from prominent Uzbek institutions such as the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS), and the Center for Foreign Policy Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the state and prospects of interregional cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union (EU). The exchange highlighted current development trends in Central Asia and its growing significance in global trade and transportation networks.
Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the IICA, underscored Central Asia’s pivotal role as a connector between East and West, as well as North and South. He emphasized the strategic importance of major infrastructure projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which aims to integrate the region into the European railway network via the Trans-Caspian Corridor and the North-South route.
Lin Goethals, EIAS Director, praised these initiatives, noting their potential to deepen ties between the EU and Central Asia. She highlighted the development of the Middle Corridor as a critical step in expanding transport links and fostering regional economic cooperation. Goethals also pointed out the significant opportunities such initiatives offer for boosting trade and investment between the two regions.
Both parties concluded the meeting by expressing their commitment to maintaining a robust dialogue and fostering collaboration between European and Uzbek think tanks. The initiative aims to further strengthen mutual understanding and support strategic partnerships in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
