Uzbek Radio
October 31
European Union delegation led by Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel had talks with Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov on Wednesday. The sides discussed the situation in the region, the US-led operation in Afghanistan, the fight against terrorism and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU.
After meetings in Uzbekistan, Louis Michel will visit Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
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The BBC radio correspondent in Brussels, Oana Lungescu, has reported that Javier Solana and the EU external affairs commissioner, Chris Patten, could not join the delegation because Louis Michel's trip to Central Asia was prepared quickly. The delegation visited countries in the Middle East before coming to Central Asia. The delegation, which also visited Iran and Pakistan, tried to win more support for the international coalition fighting international terrorism. |
Following the trip to the Central Asian countries, Louis Michel will head for Moscow to meet Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. Louis Michel said: "I will discuss the future of Afghanistan while visiting countries that border on it. The talks will also touch on the issue of making these countries' territories available for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan."
During his meeting with Louis Michel Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov said: "I am sure that the agenda will include very important issues that are worth exchanging opinions on. These are not only cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU but also the unfolding situation in the region."
Louis Michel said that he was happy to be visiting Uzbekistan once again.
Louis Michel: "I am happy to be visiting your country once again, but this time I came here as the EU chairman. I appreciate the preparations made for our short visit here. The Afghan crisis directly affects Uzbekistan, because international terrorists from Central Asia have links with the Taleban regime. Uzbekistan is regarded as the EU's important partner. In this context, we would like to discuss many important issues, including the fight against terrorism."