Mirziyoyev Meets King Philippe of Belgium in Brussels

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of his official visit to Brussels, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with King Philippe of the Belgians at the Royal Palace of Laeken.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, investment, and cultural and humanitarian fields, and exchanged views on current international and regional issues.

King Philippe praised the results of President Mirziyoyev’s talks with the leadership of the European Union and congratulated him on the signing of the historic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU.

The steady development of Uzbek-Belgian relations was noted with satisfaction. Contacts between ministries are expanding, political consultations are held regularly, and friendship groups are active in both parliaments.

Special attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Sister-city relations have been established between Tashkent and Kortrijk, as well as between Samarkand and Liège. A bust of the great scholar Avicenna has been unveiled in the Belgian city of Kortrijk.

The two sides highlighted the growth in mutual trade turnover and the successful activities of Belgian companies in Uzbekistan, particularly in the textile, logistics, and services sectors. Last year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce began operating in Tashkent.

Both sides emphasized the importance of organizing business missions of Belgian companies to Uzbekistan and holding joint cultural events.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited King Philippe to visit Uzbekistan.