On December 17, 2018, Tashkent hosted the sixth round of Uzbekistan – Austria inter-MFA political consultations, which was attended by delegations of the two countries led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dilshod Akhatov and Political Director of the Federal Ministry of the Republic of Austria for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Alexander Marschik.

The sides conducted a thorough review of the state and prospects of deepening bilateral relations, checked their positions on regional and international issues.

It was noted that strengthening of foreign policy interaction creates real prerequisites for further development of interstate relations, and this meets the national interests of both countries.

During the conversation, proposals were considered for organizing Uzbekistan – Austria contacts at various levels and formats, including holding a joint business forum in 2019, resuming the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission, the last meeting of which was held more than 5 years ago.

Discussing the issues of implementing the potential of bilateral relations, the parties noted with satisfaction that in the first 9 months of 2018, the trade turnover exceeded 71 million USD, which is almost a third more than in 2017. Currently, important investment projects with participation of Austrian business circles are being carried out in Uzbekistan. A number of specialists from Austria have been recruited as consultants at the Ministry of Public Education, Innovation Development and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.

At the meeting, views on other issues on the common agenda were also exchanged.

The consultation was attended by the appointed Ambassador of Austria to Uzbekistan Alois Kraut.