At the Kuksaroy residence, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held talks with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, with the participation of official delegations.

The discussions focused on pressing issues related to developing practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria.

Warmly welcoming the Leader of Bulgaria, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that this first summit in 17 years would be historic and elevate friendship and partnership between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria to a qualitatively new level.

The intensified interaction between the two countries’ parliaments, economic structures, and foreign affairs agencies was noted with deep satisfaction.

Trade turnover is increasing, and new areas and projects for cooperation are being developed.

Humanitarian exchanges are underway, and sister city relations have been established between Bukhara and Varna, Samarkand and Plovdiv.

Establishing systematic contacts between the foreign ministries was highlighted to strengthen multifaceted cooperation.

Special attention was given to increasing trade turnover, primarily through expanding supplies of textile, food, chemical, and pharmaceutical products, metal goods, and technological equipment.

To stimulate the growth of mutual trade, it was decided to open trade houses in the capitals, accredit laboratories, and allocate preferential credit lines.

The advancement of joint projects in the agro-industrial complex and food industry, pharmaceuticals, geology, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, IT, and tourism was identified as a priority area.

Particular attention was given to the development of efficient land and air corridors. In this context, the parties agreed to consider launching direct flights between the two countries.

To establish systematic cooperation in labor resources, the issue of opening a representative office of the Migration Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Sofia will be explored.

Initiatives to intensify humanitarian ties, including academic and scientific exchanges, including holding a meeting of rectors of leading universities in Andijan this year, were supported.

An agreement was also reached to organize the Uzbek and Bulgarian Culture and Cinema Week next year.

To ensure systematic control over the agreements’ implementation, the parties agreed to adopt a joint roadmap and raise the level of co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, involving heads of regions and large companies in its work.

Following the meeting, President Rumen Radev invited President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay a return visit to Bulgaria at a convenient time.

UzA