TASHKENT, July 9. /Dunyo IA/. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made statements to the media following the talks, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sincerely thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and hospitality and congratulated the people of Belarus on their recent Independence Day.

He noted with satisfaction that the official visit had become a historic event in the development of Uzbek-Belarusian relations.

One of the key outcomes of the summit was the signing of the Declaration establishing a strategic partnership.

According to the President of Uzbekistan, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening interstate cooperation and confirms the parties' firm commitment to the long-term development of a multifaceted partnership.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the extensive preparatory work had been key to the success of the talks.

As part of the preparations for the visit, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, political consultations, the third Forum of Regions, the Days of Uzbek Culture, and a meeting of expert circles were held.

The heads of state advocated the further development of political dialogue, as well as the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

On the eve of the summit, the parties adopted a comprehensive plan setting out specific measures to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion, as well as new project initiatives in priority areas. These include cooperation in agriculture, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, microelectronics, the textile and furniture industries and other sectors.

The parties agreed to apply Belarus's experience in the construction of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant and related infrastructure.

The results of the third Forum of Regions of Uzbekistan and Belarus, which brought together around 230 Uzbek entrepreneurs, were highly praised.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation within regional and international organizations, including the United Nations, the CIS, the SCO, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Active exchanges in the fields of culture and art, education, healthcare, and tourism will continue.

Leader of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude for the initiative to create an Alley of Uzbek-Belarusian Friendship in Minsk.

The parties also agreed to organize the next medical, educational, and tourism forums later this year.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that the outcomes of the historic visit would contribute comprehensively to further strengthening the strategic partnership and advancing the goals of sustainable development and prosperity of the two countries.