Uzbekistan, Belarus Agree to Expand Strategic Cooperation, Target $2 Billion in Bilateral Trade
Minsk, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held high-level talks with members of their official delegations, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and setting an ambitious target of increasing annual trade between the two countries to $2 billion.
During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the significant progress achieved in Uzbekistan-Belarus relations in recent years, noting that bilateral trade has nearly tripled over the past five years to reach almost $1 billion by the end of last year. He added that trade volume has increased by a further 30 percent since the beginning of this year, reflecting the growing strength of economic ties.
The Uzbek leader also noted the successful operation of 360 joint ventures, underscoring the expanding investment partnership between the two countries.
The two presidents endorsed an Action Plan prepared during the previous day’s discussions, outlining targeted measures to double bilateral trade to $2 billion. The roadmap includes the implementation of new joint projects in agriculture, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and the electrical, lighting, and furniture manufacturing industries.
The leaders also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the development of the necessary infrastructure and the exchange of expertise in the sector.
President Mirziyoyev commended the productive outcomes of the Third Forum of Regions of Uzbekistan and Belarus, held in Minsk, which resulted in the signing of a substantial portfolio of trade contracts and investment agreements aimed at further strengthening economic cooperation.
On international affairs, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued mutual support within major multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Non-Aligned Movement.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining active cultural and humanitarian exchanges to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
President Mirziyoyev expressed appreciation to President Lukashenko for the initiative to establish an Alley of Uzbek-Belarusian Friendship in Minsk, describing it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to organize joint tourism, medical, and educational forums before the end of the year to promote broader cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the talks, the co-chairs of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission presented reports containing practical proposals to advance the bilateral agenda. Concluding the meeting, President Mirziyoyev invited President Alexander Lukashenko to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan, reaffirming the shared commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
