Uzbekistan and Slovakia took relations to new stage of cooperation

On June 9, negotiations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico were held at the Kuksaroy residence, the press service of the head of our state reports.

They discussed current issues of further development of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Slovakia.

At the beginning of the meeting, the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized that the current visit opens a qualitatively new stage in the history of Uzbek-Slovak multifaceted relations.

The dynamic development of cooperation in all areas was noted with satisfaction. Constructive political contacts have been established at the level of the Foreign Ministries, business and humanitarian exchanges have intensified.

Trade turnover is growing. In May, the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was fruitfully held. Work is underway on a number of new areas and projects of cooperation.

Taking into account modern challenges and the unpredictable international situation, the importance of systemic interaction, coordination and support through foreign policy agencies, including within the framework of partnership with European institutions, was noted.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of increasing trade turnover, primarily by expanding the range of mutual deliveries.

We are talking about deliveries of textile, agricultural, electrical, chemical products, polymers from Uzbekistan, and rubber, auto components, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial goods from Slovakia.

As part of the practical implementation of the signed agreements in the field of technical regulation and metrology, the importance of eliminating technical barriers and launching a quantum standard laboratory was noted.

An agreement was reached on the preparation of a full-scale Industrial Cooperation Program with leading companies in Slovakia, including the implementation of projects in the agro-industrial complex, localization of auto components, production of pharmaceuticals, as well as projects in the field of “green” energy and tourism.

There are great opportunities in the field of implementation of digital solutions and startup investments. In this context, it was proposed to work out the creation of a joint venture fund for the acceleration of IT startups.

It was also proposed to widely use existing financial instruments to support joint projects.

In the humanitarian sphere, mutual interest in developing educational and academic exchange was confirmed. An agreement was reached on launching joint research programs, including with the participation of Comenius University in Bratislava.

The parties agreed to adopt a Program of Cooperation in the Field of Culture, which provides for holding mutual exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, as well as projects in the field of museum affairs.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of organized labor migration. The high interest of the Slovak side in establishing systemic cooperation in this area was noted.

An exchange of views on international issues, including mutual support at multilateral venues, also took place.

In conclusion, an agreement was reached that in order to ensure timely and high-quality implementation of the decisions and agreements adopted, the governments of the two countries will adopt a comprehensive “road map”.