Buryatia and Uzbekistan Agree to Develop Cooperation in Livestock and Tourism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Head of Buryatia, Alexey Tsydenov, held a working meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk, Aslam Akbarov, to discuss expanding economic, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the regions.

In May 2024, Buryatia participated in the Fourth Forum on Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan. At that event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

In October 2025, a subsequent cooperation agreement was concluded following the decisions of the Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan, Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Alexey Tsydenov emphasized that economic ties in the livestock sector are particularly important for both Buryatia and Uzbekistan. He added that the regions are also interested in developing tourism, noting that a direct flight between Ulan-Ude and Tashkent is planned to begin on April 1, 2026.

Consul General Aslam Akbarov highlighted Uzbekistan’s interest in importing cattle and horses from Buryatia, citing strong domestic demand for meat. He also emphasized the significance of launching a regular charter flight, which will support growth in tourist flows and expand cultural exchange.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the study of the history of Buddhism in Central Asia. In Surkhandarya, where Buddhist monuments have been discovered, Chinese and Japanese archaeologists are conducting excavations. Scholars suggest that this area of Uzbekistan may be one of the cradles of Buddhism in the region.

Alongside Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan could become a new area for cooperation within the Association of Regional Administrations of North-East Asian Countries (ARANEC). The Head of Buryatia plans to discuss this matter with his counterparts in the association.