Opinions & Interviews

Belarus, Uzbekistan agree to fulfill bilateral potential within 3-4 years

TASHKENT, 13 September (BelTA) – Belarus and Uzbekistan are set to fulfill the bilateral potential within the next three or four years, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told the media after his meeting with Uzbekistan counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 13 September, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus-Uzbekistan relations have recently reached a qualitatively new level,” Alexander Lukashenko said. In his words, the two countries maintain an open dialogue based on mutual understanding, mutual trust and sincere desire to develop all-round cooperation. For many years the relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan developed at a very slow pace. The head of state stressed that it will take three to four years for the two countries to make up for the lost time.

“Today’s talks were held in a very warm, friendly and fraternal atmosphere. The focus, of course, was on trade and economic cooperation, which, fortunately, has been successfully expanding in the recent years,” the president said.

Priority areas of cooperation should include the expansion of production cooperation in mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex, transport and pharmaceutical industries, and information technology.

Alexander Lukashenko instructed the heads of ministries and major enterprises to decide on concrete projects in Uzbekistan. He also asked Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy to monitor the implementation of his instruction.

“If Uzbekistan needs a grain harvester, design the one the country needs. If they need a spinner plow, make the one they need. Let us work and benefit each other. Uzbekistan is a rich country. We should help it become even richer and get benefits in return,” the head of state said.

During the negotiations the presidents also exchanged opinions about the international agenda, confirmed readiness and eagerness to enhance the legal base to counteract terrorism and extremism, and oppose drug smuggling and other threats together. “If in the fight against this terrible modern evil – drugs, terrorism, extremism – we have to help Uzbekistan with matters of security, defense, military-industrial complex, we are ready to do that,” assured Alexander Lukashenko.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also instructed his government to create all necessary conditions for Belarusian companies to implement projects in Uzbekistan.

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