BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 15. Uzbekistan and the
Philippines discussed expanding trade, investment, tourism and
transport links, including the possibility of launching direct air
service between the two countries.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Uzbekistan following a meeting between Uzbekistan’s
Deputy Foreign Minister Mirvohid Azimov and Roberto Manalo, the
Philippines’ Ambassador to Uzbekistan, on August 14.
The sides reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and
prospects for further cooperation, with particular attention to
strengthening political dialogue and expanding trade, economic,
cultural and humanitarian ties.
The Philippine side reaffirmed its interest in developing
mutually beneficial relations with Uzbekistan and highlighted the
potential for closer economic and investment cooperation.
Agriculture, chemicals, food processing and tourism were
identified as promising areas for expanding bilateral economic
ties. The officials also discussed establishing direct contacts
between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries
to facilitate business cooperation and identify new investment
opportunities.
Tourism and transport connectivity were also high on the agenda.
The sides discussed prospects for launching direct air links
between Uzbekistan and the Philippines, which could support
tourism, business travel and broader people-to-people contacts.
The officials also considered organizing reciprocal
familiarization trips for tourism industry representatives to help
businesses from both countries explore their respective markets and
develop new tourism products.
“The parties confirmed their mutual readiness to continue joint
work on further developing Uzbekistan-Philippines relations and
implementing specific mutually beneficial projects,” Uzbekistan’s
Foreign Ministry said.
The meeting comes as Uzbekistan and the Philippines seek to
broaden economic engagement and establish stronger institutional
and business links. Improving air connectivity and direct contacts
between business organizations could provide additional channels
for expanding trade and investment.
The sides agreed to maintain dialogue and continue practical
cooperation across the sectors identified as having the greatest
potential.
