BUDAPEST, June 10. /Dunyo IA/.   Belarusian Ambassador to Hungary Vladimir Ulakhovich commented for Dunyo Information Agency on the results of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's official visit to Minsk on July 8-9:

-  Official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Belarus on July 8–9 is undoubtedly the most significant event in the history and development of bilateral relations. In Belarus, the visit of the Head of Uzbekistan was anticipated with great attention and sincere warmth, with the understanding that the high-level negotiations would open a new page of strategic partnership between Minsk and Tashkent.

Preparation for the visit was conducted at the highest level and became one of the key topics of recent negotiations in Tashkent during the meeting between Prime Minister of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin and President of Uzbekistan, as well as the subsequent V Tashkent International Investment Forum. On the eve of the meeting between the leaders of our states, negotiations were held in Minsk between Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko and Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov, during which the parties aligned their positions on the main agenda items. Such consistent preparation confirms the mutual interest in achieving concrete results and implementing large-scale joint projects.

Particular attention during the negotiations was paid to the further strengthening of trade and economic cooperation, industrial partnerships, and the development of interregional ties. Belarus expects to achieve a trade turnover of one billion dollars with Uzbekistan as early as this year and to double this figure by 2030. Today, Belarusian machinery, pharmaceuticals, and meat and dairy products are in high demand in Uzbekistan; the joint production of tractors is successfully developing, while Uzbek fruits, vegetables and textiles are widely represented in the Belarusian market.

I personally had the honour of participating in the visit of the President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, to Tashkent and the visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Minsk. These were constructive, strategic, and forward-looking meetings and negotiations held in an atmosphere of great friendship and respect.

In Belarus, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan is held in the deepest respect as an outstanding political leader and a great patriot of Uzbekistan.

This visit is a truly significant meeting between two of the greatest political leaders of our time, friendly states and fraternal peoples united by long-standing mutual respect, trust and a commitment to joint development.