Swiss Delegation to Uzbekistan: 30 years anniversary of bilateral relations
Press releases, 10.03.2022
On March 7, 2022, Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) together with Ambassador Dominique Paravicini, Head of the Economic Cooperation and Development Division of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) paid an official visit to Uzbekistan to discuss the cooperation between the two countries and to acknowledge the 30 year anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Uzbekistan.
The Swiss delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Sardor Umurzakov and with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Poverty Reduction Jamshid Kuchkarov. The support to the water reforms was discussed with the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources.
The main topics of discussion were 30 years of diplomatic relations and cooperation between Switzerland and Uzbekistan, the launch of the new Swiss Cooperation Programme for Central Asia 2022-25 and the project-portfolio of the cooperation between the two countries.
“Switzerland welcomes the important reforms Uzbekistan is undertaking”, highlighted Director General Patricia Danzi. “Based on our longstanding partnership in water management and vocational and educational training, we will enlarge our portfolio in the coming years.” The regional and transboundary water management will be strengthened including the support to the green transition and climate change adaptation. In addition, support to strengthening the rule of law and the dialog between citizens and state shall be explored.
2022 also marks 30 years of the joint constituencies in the World Bank and the EBRD. “Switzerland values the long standing partnership with Uzbekistan and the good and constructive cooperation in our joint constituencies,” said Ambassador Dominique Paravicini. He emphasized the importance of the relationship which is strengthened through bilateral projects in water supply and sanitation as well as trade facilitation.
With the new Cooperation Programme for Central Asia, Switzerland confirms its commitment to support climate resilient and transboundary water management, inclusive and sustainable economic development with a focus on support to vocational education and training as well as to strengthened cooperation with the private sector. The overall goal of the Swiss Cooperation program for Uzbekistan is to support the country in its reforms towards social cohesion, responsive institutions and inclusive and sustainable development.
