UWED Rector Meets with Managing Director of the European Neighbourhood Council

On October 29, 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) hosted a meeting between Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of UWED, and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC).

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of relations between Central Asia and the European Union. Particular attention was paid to further deepening political and economic cooperation, expanding interregional engagement, and strengthening strategic partnership.

One of the key topics of discussion was the development of the Middle Corridor as an important transport and logistics route contributing to greater connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. The participants explored its potential to expand trade and economic ties, diversify transport routes, and advance international transit cooperation.

Special attention was also given to prospects for cooperation in education, academic research, and policy analysis. In particular, the parties discussed an initiative to develop a joint Executive Education programme focusing on relations between the European Union and Central Asia.

The programme is expected to be implemented with the involvement of interested academic institutions, think tanks, and other relevant organisations. The initiative aims to foster expert dialogue, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and train highly qualified professionals in international relations and interregional cooperation.

The discussion of this initiative opens up further opportunities for expanding academic and expert cooperation between UWED and its European partners, while also strengthening educational ties between Central Asia and the European Union.