TASHKENT (Interfax) — Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov will attend a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council on February 5 in Almaty for the first time, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Late December Uzbekistan was given observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The country is planning become a full member by 2025 according to the Concept of Social and Economic Development of Uzbekistan – 2030, their main developmental roadmap. Observer status for now will solely allow participation in EAEU meetings, when invited; allow review of non-confidential documents; and keep Tashlent in contact with various EAEU commissions. None of these activities will influence Uzbekistan’s economy, or touch on matters such as transportation or labour migration.