The Ministry of Agriculture has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Forestry Agency under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan. The goal is to promote closer cooperation between Latvia and Uzbekistan in the field of forestry, as well as to ensure the sustainable and efficient use of forest resources.
Already in April this year, leaders of the European Union (EU) and Central Asian countries agreed at the EU–Central Asia Summit to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two regions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Central Asia, announcing a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package for projects in transport, critical raw materials, digital infrastructure, water, and energy in the region of Central Asia. The cooperation memorandum between Latvia and Uzbekistan affirms a shared commitment to putting this EU–Central Asia partnership into action through concrete projects and practical initiatives.
“Latvia is one of the most forest-rich countries in Europe, and our forestry sector is developed at a very high level. This creates strong potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity for Latvian entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts to apply their experience and adapt it to Uzbekistan’s regional conditions,” said Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Normunds Šmits.
The cooperation will focus on developing sustainable forest management based on principles of good governance in both managed and protected forests. Measures will also be implemented to reduce drought, soil erosion, and desertification, ensuring the preservation of resilient forest ecosystems. Reforestation, afforestation, and rehabilitation of degraded areas will also be priorities for both parties.
Additionally, close cooperation is planned in the transfer of technology and knowledge—such as forest breeding and planting technologies, forest fire management, pest and disease control, and other areas related to forestry development.