The Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkey identify priorities for enhancing the strategic partnership

Yesterday, Tashkent hosted the second meeting of Uzbekistan – Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, reports “Dunyo” IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our state, welcoming the Leader of Turkey, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of cooperation, strengthening of interaction between the parliaments, government bodies, business and public circles of the two countries.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan is interested in further building up and strengthening the multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two countries, “based on family ties”, is developing in all areas, in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

The leaders noted with satisfaction that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of the founding of the strategic partnership between the two states.

Exchanges of official visits and regular contacts between the leaders of the two countries contributed to strengthening a constructive political dialogue and opened up wide opportunities for a fruitful practical partnership.

Trade and investment ties are developing dynamically. Thus, in recent years, the trade turnover has grown 2.5 times, exceeding $3.6 billion. The number of joint ventures increased 5 times and exceeded 2,000. Investment cooperation indicators have grown 70 times.

To further enhance cooperation, the parties dwelled in detail on the priority areas for further enhancing interaction, in particular in trade and the economy, investment, transport, textile industry, energy, agriculture, healthcare, cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Agreements were reached on strengthening cooperation in carrying out reforms in Uzbekistan, systemic interaction in introducing public-private partnership mechanisms, deepening collaboration in science, education, art, cinema, tourism and information.

It was noted that following the meeting, important documents will be signed that will bring cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey to a new level. Among them are agreements on preferential trade, development of cooperation in construction, healthcare, justice, customs exchange, etc. It is planned to adopt a joint action plan for the practical implementation of the decisions of the meeting of the Uzbekistan – Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Taking into account the scale of cooperation achieved, the parties decided to raise bilateral relations to a new level – a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Following the talks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Turkey to attend the next meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council.

“Dunyo” IA