From June 17 to 21, 2024, the First Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) A. Umarov visited Sweden and Norway.

In Stockholm, A. Umarov met with the Director of Studies at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Luc van de Goor. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to the regional development of Central Asia. A. Umarov informed his Swedish colleagues about the current trends in regional cooperation development in Central Asia, the deepening of high-level interaction and exchange, and noted the increasing trend of regionalization in the Central Asia. The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation, including holding an online round table on a mutually interesting topic this fall. A. Umarov and Luc van de Goor agreed to hold a Zoom meeting in August to discuss the topics of further interaction. As a result of this online round table, it is planned to reach an agreement on the preparation of joint publications. The parties also discussed the possibilities of preparing joint grant applications for research on Central Asian regional issues.

During the trip, A. Umarov also met with Johan Engvall, an analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies. During the meeting, they discussed issues of regional development in Central Asia, current trends in regional cooperation, and the deepening of high-level interaction. They reached an agreement to hold a joint event this fall and to prepare an analytical report based on its outcomes.

Umarov also gave a lecture at a conference at Södertörn University on the topic "War, Emerging Tensions, and Strategic Stability in Eurasia," where he discussed the main trends in the development of politics, economy, and security in Central Asia amid increasing international confrontation. The possibilities for cooperation with Södertörn University were considered, including a visit of Swedish representatives to Uzbekistan in the spring of 2025 and the development of joint research projects.

In Norway, A. Umarov participated in a conference at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, where he discussed climate change, energy development, and the transition to new technologies in Eurasia. Special attention was given to the development of the energy sector in Central Asia and the region's interaction with Afghanistan in the context of the construction of the Kushtepa Canal. An online event on climate and energy issues with the participation of Uzbek and Norwegian experts is planned for the fall of 2024.

    These activities highlight UWED's active participation in international academic and political dialogue, as well as the growth of cooperation with leading international research centers.