Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kakhramon Yuldashev, is currently on a working visit to the Republic of Belarus. One of the first items on the agenda was a meeting with Igor Smilkin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus.

During the talks, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. Special attention was given to expanding mutual trade in agricultural products, implementing joint projects in meat and dairy processing, and strengthening cooperative links between relevant institutions of both countries.

Among the specific agreements were plans to introduce blueberry cultivation in Uzbekistan based on Belarusian experience, conduct trials of Belarusian potato varieties, and organize the supply of flax seeds.

The sides also explored opportunities for collaboration in agricultural education and scientific research, including staff exchanges and the launch of joint research programs.

Following the meeting, the parties signed the Protocol of the Sixth Meeting of the Uzbekistan–Belarus Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation. The document outlines the agreements reached and provides a legal foundation for further expanding the partnership.

As part of the visit, the Uzbek delegation also met with Vitaly Lupik, General Director of OJSC "Bellakt" — one of the largest producers of powdered milk formulas and baby food in the post-Soviet space, located in the city of Volkovysk.

The delegation was introduced to the company’s production capacities, product range, and logistics systems serving both domestic markets and CIS countries. Bellakt specializes in producing baby and dairy products, as well as nutritional items for pregnant and nursing women, adhering to modern technologies and high quality standards.

During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to deepen trade and economic ties in this field. Concrete proposals were made on establishing mutual supplies, exchanging advanced technologies, and implementing new joint projects in the food industry.