MINSK, 1 August (BelTA) – Belarus and Uzbekistan will step up joint efforts to fight terrorism and illegal drug trade, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Minsk on 1 August, BelTA has learned.
“We have discussed topical issues of the regional and global agenda. We have outlined cooperation plans as part of our work in the Commonwealth of Independent States. We have confirmed our determination to strengthen cooperation in order to fight terrorism, extremism, drug smuggling, other challenges and threats of our time, " said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
In his words, humanitarian contacts between the two countries are getting more vibrant. In 2018 Uzbekistan hosted the Days of Belarusian Culture, while in the run-up to the visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev Uzbekistan artists presented their culture and traditions in Minsk. “As far as science and education are concerned, we have great potential for sharing expertise and knowledge, arranging academic exchanges and running training programs, implementing joint projects,” the president said.
The head of state added that a solid package of documents signed following the talks is aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation, first of all, business contacts and interregional ties, and at generating cooperation opportunities in investment, information, education and environmental protection.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus and Uzbekistan are strategic partners committed to strengthening bilateral relations. He also thanked the Uzbekistan president for his personal contribution to bilateral cooperation. “If not for your determination, we would have run around in circles for 25 years. Your will and resolution to make Uzbekistan a prosperous country not only by standards of Central Asia, but also the world, have encouraged us to go on with our cooperation,” the Belarusian leader said.