President Of EU Council Louis Michel Speaks Out In Favour Of Develoment Of EU-Uzbek Relations

Consolidation and development of EU-Uzbek relations is the aim of his visit to Tashkent, President of the EU Council, Belgian Vice Premier, Foreign Minister Louis Michel told a news conference following his visit to the republic on Wednesday. Louis Michel said he had discussed with President Islam Karimov, the ministers of foreign affairs and foreign economic relations the situation in the region, the US counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan and humanitarian assistance to its people. Our viewpoints on the political situation in the region coincide, the President of the EU Council said. The sides believe it is necessary to form a coalition government including representatives of all ethnic groups living in Afghanistan. According to Louis Michel, the UN should play a great role in the forming of the Afghan government. They also discussed the development of EU-Uzbek bilateral relations, particularly, the attraction of investment to the republic and cooperation in fighting terrorism and illegal drugs' turnover. Louis Michel greatly valued the Uzbekistan's contribution in providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. I believe the US actions in Afghanistan are legal and should be accomplished, he said. The EU delegation heads for Ashkhabad on Wednesday.