Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the State Palace of Mongolia, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh held high-level talks, first in a narrow format, followed by an expanded meeting with the participation of official delegations from both countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev expressed sincere gratitude to the Mongolian leader for the warm hospitality and for the invitation to pay the first-ever state visit in the history of bilateral relations. He emphasized that this visit marks a new chapter in the development of multifaceted Uzbek-Mongolian cooperation and congratulated the Mongolian side on the upcoming Day of the People's Revolution.

The two leaders discussed a broad range of pressing issues related to strengthening friendship and expanding the partnership. They noted the revitalization of contacts at all levels, the growth in trade turnover, the rising number of joint ventures, and the launch of initial projects in healthcare, education, e-commerce, agriculture, and the construction industry.

Economic cooperation was given particular attention. The leaders highlighted the significant potential to multiply trade volumes by diversifying the range and increasing the scale of mutually demanded products. In this context, the importance of expediting the signing of agreements on preferential trade and mutual investment protection was emphasized.

President Mirziyoyev advocated for deeper industrial cooperation, especially in the mining sector. He stressed the importance of joint geological exploration programs, resource development, technology transfer, experience exchange, and specialist training. The recent opening of an Uzbek Ministry of Geology representative office in Ulaanbaatar was welcomed as a positive step forward.

Agricultural cooperation was also identified as a promising area, including the creation of clusters and joint projects in meat, dairy, wool, and leather industries. The leaders also discussed improving transport connectivity, with plans to launch a direct flight between Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar by the end of the year.

They proposed conducting applied research to optimize logistics routes, with the involvement of the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries.

Significant attention was devoted to cultural and humanitarian ties. The successful organization of Uzbek Culture Days in Ulaanbaatar was noted with satisfaction. The two sides agreed to strengthen university cooperation and to resume quotas for Mongolian students to study at Uzbek higher education institutions.

As a result of the negotiations, the parties agreed to adopt a “road map” for the implementation of the agreements reached. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to the President of Mongolia to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan.