Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At the beginning of the meeting, the minister congratulated T. Klaar on assuming the post of Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, wishing him good luck in his upcoming mission. A. Abdukhakimov also spoke about his successful participation at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, where more than 7,000 participants visited the National Pavilion of Uzbekistan.

On the sidelines of the meeting, negotiations were held on strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Ecology and the EU, the implementation of joint ongoing projects and programs, including the implementation of projects related to chemical conventions by the end of 2026. The importance of strengthening cooperation in all areas in the field of environmental protection, hazardous chemicals, industrial waste, etc., was noted.

"The EU has provided technical assistance in the amount of 4 million euros for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS). This is timely and necessary support, which helps us to build institutional capacity and meet the requirements of GSP+", the minister stressed.

It was noted that with the support of EU donor countries, work was carried out on the reclamation of former uranium deposits in the Charkesar and Yangiabad districts, according to which a grant agreement worth $9.0 million was signed between the EBRD and the Ministry of Ecology.

Information was provided on the large-scale environmental reforms carried out by the government of the country, including the creation of the Climate Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the implementation of the national project "Yashil Makon", work on afforestation on an area of 2 million hectares at the bottom of the Aral Sea, and other initiatives.

At the meeting, they expressed hope for the implementation of various joint projects and programs with the EU, such as Erasmus+, which has made a significant contribution to fundamental transformations in the field of higher education in Uzbekistan. The importance of realizing the existing potential of cooperation in all areas in the field of ecology and environmental protection was noted.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on further strengthening cooperation in the field of environmental protection and climate change.