MINSK, July 9 (IN): Belarus and Uzbekistan have agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation and align their mutual interests, with both countries setting an ambitious target to increase trade volume to $2 billion.The understanding was reached during narrow-format talks between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Minsk.Welcoming his Uzbek counterpart, President Lukashenko said Belarus and Uzbekistan share similar views on key international issues, including support for a multipolar world order. He emphasized that both countries are focused on national development while actively working to strengthen cooperation.
Lukashenko highlighted that Uzbekistan has become one of Belarus’ top ten foreign partners and the third-largest partner among CIS countries, noting significant progress in bilateral relations in recent years.The Belarusian leader said the two sides had previously aimed for a $1 billion trade volume, but have now raised the target to $2 billion, with relevant institutions tasked to achieve this goal.He stressed the importance of expanding joint ventures and entering third-country markets, particularly through cooperation between businesses of both nations.The two countries are focusing on key sectors including mechanical engineering, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and cultural exchanges.
Lukashenko said Belarus is ready to expand joint production projects in Uzbekistan, including heavy machinery, tractors, dairy processing, and poultry production.Highlighting cooperation in healthcare, the Belarusian president said Uzbekistan citizens receiving medical treatment in Belarus have expressed satisfaction with the services provided and offered further cooperation in medical education and pharmaceuticals.
The talks also emphasized strengthening cultural ties, with both countries continuing exchanges through cultural days, artistic performances, and humanitarian initiatives.President Lukashenko said the current high-level talks are aimed at supporting and implementing agreements already reached between businesses and institutions of the two countries, ensuring further growth in Belarus-Uzbekistan relations.
