Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The negotiations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, who is on an official visit to Uzbekistan, took place at the Samarkand Congress Center.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that the current visit of the President of Iran is historical and congratulated on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It was noted with satisfaction that relations between Uzbekistan and Iran have gained a new dynamic of development in recent years.

During the talks, the leaders discussed the issues of strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing the practical interaction in the political, trade and economic, investment, transport and logistics, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The main attention was paid to the partnership in trade and transport, scientific, technical and innovation areas, as well as the cooperation between the two countries' regions.

The parties noted with satisfaction that the intensification of bilateral contacts and mutual exchanges has been observed in recent years. The trade indicators and the number of cooperation projects are also growing. Last year the trade turnover increased by 73%, since the beginning of this year – by 15%.   

A regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, a joint business forum and a scientific and innovative forum were held. A Joint Investment Committee was established.

It was noted that there are great opportunities for further increasing the trade turnover up to $1 billion in the near future.

For this purpose, a relevant action plan will be developed. In addition, an agreement on preferential trade is envisaged.

Already implemented and promising cooperation projects in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas industry, production of building materials and metal products, science and innovations were noted. The prospects for localization of production through the creation of joint industrial clusters were considered.

Particular attention was paid to the transport and logistics interaction. It was noted that establishing road transport along the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran route, the effective use of the Chabahar port’s potential and the facilitation of goods entry and transit shall expand the opportunities in this direction.

The importance of enhancing economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries' regions was emphasized.

Views we also exchanged on the Afghan problem.

Ebrahim Raisi invited the President of Uzbekistan to pay a return visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran at a convenient time for him.