The leaders of Uzbekistan and Belarus have identified a new agenda for mutually beneficial cooperation

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held talks in a contracted format and with the participation of members of the official delegations of the two countries.

Opening the meeting, the Head of state emphasized that over the past years, multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus have reached a new high level.

It was emphasized that in preparation for the current visit of the President of the Republic of Belarus, several events were successfully held, including the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, forums of regions, rectors, medical workers, and others.

The importance of continuing active contacts at the level of heads of government, parliamentarians, ministries, and regions was noted.

The parties agreed to continue political dialogue and mutual support within the framework of international structures, including the United Nations, the CIS, and the SCO.

The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation were noted with satisfaction. Trade turnover last year increased by 15 percent.

Governments have been tasked with bringing this figure to over $1 billion in the coming years.

For these purposes, an agreement was reached on creating a joint foreign trade company, introducing mechanisms to support export-import supplies, and an electronic system for the certification of goods.

In addition, the parties agreed to mutually create favorable conditions for cargo transportation, train international road carriers, and effectively use multimodal corridors in the direction of the extensive markets of South Asia.

Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperative ties. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has increased fourfold.

During the talks, the heads of state identified priority areas of cooperation: agriculture, light industry, food and electrical industries, pharmaceuticals, urban planning, communications, and others. We agreed to form separate working groups in all areas.

The leaders welcomed the intensification of interregional exchanges. The fruitful results of the Second Forum of Regions of Uzbekistan and Belarus, held the day before, were noted, as a result of which contracts and agreements worth over $1 billion were signed.

The parties agreed to continue active cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Partnership development programs will be adopted in higher and professional education, healthcare, culture, sports, and tourism.

At the meeting, reports from members of official delegations with specific proposals on the agenda of the talks were heard.

Following the meetings, an agreement was reached on preparing and adopting a joint action plan to implement the decisions made and signed contracts.

UzA