Mirziyoyev, Vucic Discuss New Stage in Bilateral Relations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held one-on-one talks and expanded negotiations with the participation of official delegations in Belgrade.

The sides discussed further development of political, trade and economic, investment and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mirziyoyev thanked the Serbian leader for the warm welcome and hospitality. He said his first visit to Belgrade would mark the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries.

The sides noted the intensification of political dialogue, interparliamentary ties, trade and economic cooperation, as well as business and humanitarian exchanges. The opening of diplomatic missions and the establishment of an interparliamentary forum were described as important steps toward further deepening bilateral relations.

The presidents paid particular attention to trade and investment. A number of economic events involving high-level delegations have been held since the beginning of the year. On the eve of the talks, the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held, while an Uzbek-Serbian business forum involving leading companies from both countries was scheduled for 8 September.

During the negotiations, the sides discussed increasing bilateral trade, including by expanding supplies of goods in demand. To achieve this, they proposed developing and adopting a free trade agreement, strengthening cooperation in standardization and organizing cross exhibitions.

Uzbekistan also plans to actively participate in the EXPO-2027 international exhibition in Belgrade. The country will present a national pavilion at the event next year.

The presidents reviewed prospects for new joint projects in transport and logistics, light and food industries, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine and the digital economy. Significant potential was identified for industrial cooperation in the production of automotive components, equipment, electrical and electronic products.

To implement the agreements, the sides adopted a Joint Action Plan for the Development of Industrial Partnership for 2026–2028.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of expanding interregional ties. They welcomed the establishment of direct contacts between Samarkand Region and Vojvodina, as well as between Samarkand and Novi Sad.

In the humanitarian sphere, the sides agreed to develop cooperation in education, culture, sports and tourism. Plans include holding Days of Culture, joint film, theatre and music festivals, and expanding direct contacts between sports federations.

Organized labor migration was another topic of the talks. Serbia expressed strong interest in systematic cooperation in this area. Following the visit, the sides welcomed the adoption of an agreement on mobility and labor migration.

Mirziyoyev and Vucic also exchanged views on regional and international issues and confirmed their mutual support at multilateral platforms.

A comprehensive roadmap will be developed to ensure the timely implementation of the agreements reached, as well as the decisions and agreements adopted.