6 December 2024 – Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar  concluded a two-day official visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, marking a significant step in strengthening the EU engagement in the region.

EU in Uzbekistan

Day One: Opening of the IX European Film Festival
The visit commenced with the grand opening of the IX European Film Festival at the Medical Institute of Karakalpakstan, organized in partnership with the Rector of the Institute prof. Oral Ataniyazova on 4 December. This festival, held for the ninth time in Uzbekistan, showcased European cinematic excellence and cultural diversity.

EU in Uzbekistan

The event was attended by 640 professors and students from the Medical Institute, along with representatives from 12 other higher educational institutions. The audience enjoyed screenings of two films: "Trained to See – Three Women and the War" by Luzia Schmid (Germany) and "I'm Fine" by Donato Rotunno (Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Italy).

Between the screenings, students engaged in an interactive discussion with the EU Ambassador, sharing their reflections on the films and the lessons they drew from them. An engaging Cinema Quiz further enriched the experience, as students demonstrated their knowledge of world cinematography and won prizes for their participation.

Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan

Later that day, the Ambassador met with Farkhod Ermanov, the Chairperson  of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and development.

Day Two: Strengthening Development Efforts in Karakalpakstan

Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

The second day of the visit began with a meeting between the EU Ambassador and Amanbai Orinbaev, the Chairperson of the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan. During the meeting, the Ambassador reaffirmed the EU's commitment to environmental, governance and educational initiatives in the region. This included EU’s engagement through Erasmus+ programmes, Restoration of Degraded Lands in the Lower Aral Sea Basin, as well as continued funding for Public Service Delivery centres aimed at improving of  governance and public services delivery in rural areas of Uzbekistan.

EU in Uzbekistan

As part of the day’s agenda, the EU Ambassador visited the Public Service Center in the Nukus district, which was established with EU funding under a collaborative project between the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The centre serves 100-150 citizens daily, benefiting over 3,000 people each month.

During the visit, the Ambassador interacted with the centre’s administration and local residents to gain insights into the services provided and their impact on the community.

Looking Ahead
This inaugural visit highlights the European Union’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange, environmental rehabilitation, and improving of governance enhancement in Karakalpakstan and beyond. The EU remains a steadfast partner in Uzbekistan's journey toward sustainable development and improved quality of life for its citizens.