BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9. Uzbekistan and
Belarus are aiming to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion as the
two countries seek to expand industrial cooperation and launch new
joint projects across agriculture, engineering and
pharmaceuticals.


This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the
Uzbek president following the official meeting between Uzbek
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Belarusian President Alexander
Lukashenko in restricted and expanded formats with the
participation of official delegations.


Mirziyoyev said the multifaceted relationship between Uzbekistan
and Belarus had reached "a qualitatively new level" in recent
years, pointing to intensified political, economic and cultural
engagement.


Preparations for the talks included meetings of the
intergovernmental commission and business council, political
consultations, discussions among analytical communities and
Uzbekistan Culture Days.


The presidents highlighted the steady growth of bilateral trade.
Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Belarus has nearly tripled
over the past five years and reached almost $1 billion in 2025.
Since the beginning of 2026, trade has increased by another
30%.


"Over the past five years, mutual trade has increased almost
threefold and reached nearly $1 billion at the end of last year,"
the Uzbek president's office said.


The two countries currently have 360 joint ventures operating
across various sectors.


The leaders welcomed an action plan adopted ahead of the talks
that sets out specific measures to increase bilateral trade to $2
billion. The plan also includes new industrial cooperation projects
in agriculture, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, electrical
equipment, light industry and furniture manufacturing.







The sides also expressed interest in exchanging expertise in the
peaceful use of nuclear energy and the development of related
infrastructure.


Mirziyoyev and Lukashenko praised the results of the Third Forum
of Regions of Uzbekistan and Belarus, held in Minsk a day earlier.
The event resulted in what the Uzbek side described as "a
substantial portfolio of trade contracts and investment
agreements."


The presidents reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support
within international organizations, including the United Nations,
the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization and the Non-Aligned Movement.


Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also featured prominently
in the talks. Mirziyoyev thanked Lukashenko for his initiative to
establish an Alley of Uzbek-Belarusian Friendship in Minsk.


The two countries agreed to organize joint tourism, medical and
education forums by the end of 2026.


The presidents also heard reports from the co-chairs of the
bilateral intergovernmental commission, who presented specific
proposals on the economic and cooperation agenda.


At the conclusion of the talks, Mirziyoyev invited Lukashenko to
pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.