-

On May 4, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the opening ceremony of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, held in Samarkand.

The forum is held under the theme “Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Region’s Connected Future.” More than 4,000 experts from over 100 countries, including representatives of international financial institutions, leading banks, and companies, are participating in its work.

The agenda includes digital and green transformation, climate resilience, the development of production and supply chains, ensuring food security, and other areas.

The Head of State delivered a welcoming address, noting that Uzbekistan is honored to host such a prestigious forum.

The President noted that New Uzbekistan, which embodies a great history and a prosperous future, is increasingly becoming a major platform for discussing pressing issues of international significance.

The Head of State then outlined the results of the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country. In recent years, $150 billion in foreign investment has been attracted to the economy, while thousands of modern enterprises have been launched. Exports of goods and services have tripled during this period, and the size of the economy has increased from $50 billion to $147 billion.

Since 2020, Uzbekistan has consistently improved its sovereign credit ratings. In this year’s Index of Economic Freedom, the country has risen by 14 positions and, for the first time, entered the group of countries with a “moderately free” economy.

Even amid global instability, Uzbekistan’s economy recorded growth of 8.7 percent in the first quarter.

“Most importantly, our reforms have focused primarily on improving the daily lives of every single family and individual. During this period, we increased the income of 8.5 million people in need, reducing the poverty rate from almost 35 percent to 5.8 percent,” the President noted.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has ranked among the top five countries achieving the most significant progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, the country aims to transition all sectors to a model of technological and innovation-driven growth, increase the size of the economy to over $240 billion, join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries, and fully eradicate poverty.

The President particularly highlighted the role of the Asian Development Bank and other international financial institutions in the large-scale transformations underway in Uzbekistan. The joint portfolio of completed and ongoing projects with the ADB has reached nearly $16 billion.

Taking the opportunity, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda, the Bank’s governors, as well as the leadership of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions for their close cooperation.

Addressing the complex transformations in the global economy and the rapid advancement of new technologies, the President emphasized the need to jointly develop and implement new mechanisms and effective approaches with the Bank to ensure sustainable development.

The President focused particular attention on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The establishment of an AI Hub has been initiated, and programs are underway to expand data center capacity, introduce supercomputing technologies, and train “Five Million AI Leaders” to modernize key sectors of the economy.

“The use of open AI models is also required in areas that are most essential to the population’s primary needs, including education, healthcare, water management, the environment, and food security,” the President noted.

It was proposed to develop a special program under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank to scale artificial intelligence in developing countries. The intention was expressed to join the Bank’s “Digital Highway for Asia” initiative by opening a regional coordination center in Tashkent.

The development of green energy was identified as a priority area. In cooperation with global companies, 5,600 megawatts of capacity have already been commissioned, and by 2030, it is planned to increase the share of renewable sources in energy generation to 54 percent.

The ADB’s support for the creation of the “Central Asia – Europe” green energy corridor to expand clean energy exports was noted with gratitude. It was expressed that the countries of the region, together with the Bank, will soon begin implementing this “energy artery” project.

The next pressing priority highlighted was ensuring the interconnectivity of transport systems and the stability of logistics corridors.

Given the challenges in international logistics, the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is of particular importance. The project is expected to reduce cargo delivery times by up to 10 days and significantly enhance the transit potential of the entire region.

It was proposed to establish a “Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance” within the framework of the ADB’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.

The potential for cooperation in the development of critical minerals was also noted. The President emphasized that Uzbekistan’s goal is not only the extraction of mineral resources, but also the creation of high value-added industries through their deep processing.

The President of Uzbekistan called for joining the Asian Development Bank’s “From Critical Minerals to Production” program to promote high value-added projects.

In addition, combating climate change was identified as a key priority. A regional project, the “Green Belt of Central Asia,” was proposed to complement national efforts to establish protective forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea.

In the context of regional cooperation, an initiative was put forward to create a “Central Asia Tourist Ring.” The project aims to bring together the region’s unique cultural, pilgrimage, gastronomic, ethnographic, and other attractions into a unified space for travelers.

It was emphasized that, for the systematic promotion of the announced initiatives, it is necessary to fully utilize the ADB’s wide range of financing instruments, including through the mobilization of private capital. In this regard, it was proposed to establish an Innovative Platform for Financing Regional Projects.

The Head of State noted that, amid the profound transformations taking place in the global economy, the role of the Asian Development Bank in ensuring the socio-economic stability of the region is becoming increasingly important.

In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the important proposals and initiatives put forward at the Samarkand platform will lead to significant practical results, and that each agreement reached will result in tangible and beneficial projects.

Distinguished Mr. Masato Kanda!

Esteemed governors of the bank!

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank. It is a great honor and privilege for us to host such a prestigious forum.

Our land, with a history spanning several millennia, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, has long been a center connecting East and West, North and South. The paths of world civilization, science, and trade have always converged here.

New Uzbekistan, embracing both a rich history and a bright future, is emerging as a leading platform for discussions on pressing global issues. I am confident that the Samarkand forum will serve to advance progressive ideas and new initiatives, and facilitate important decision-making.

Welcome to New Uzbekistan!

Dear guests!

Today, our country's economy is undergoing an entirely new phase of development. Since 2016, we have embarked on major reforms to liberalize the economy, create an attractive investment environment, participate proactively in global value chains, renew the social and production infrastructure in the regions fundamentally, and improve living standards.

In a historically short period of time, we have gone through a challenging path of development along with our hardworking and creative people. In recent years, our economy has attracted 150 billion dollars of foreign investment, and thousands of modern enterprises have been launched.

Through investment projects worth 35 billion dollars in the energy sector alone we have increased electricity production by 1.5 times, bringing it to 87 billion kilowatt-hours.

During this period, exports of goods and services tripled, and the volume of our economy grew from 50 billion to 147 billion dollars.

These positive results are being acknowledged by the international community. Since 2020, Uzbekistan has consistently improved its sovereign credit ratings.

In the Index of Economic Freedom, our country moved up 14 positions this year and, for the first time, joined the ranks of states with a "moderately free" economy.

Even amid global instability, our economy achieved 8.7 percent growth in the first quarter of this year.

Most importantly, our reforms have focused primarily on improving the daily lives of every single family and individual.

During this period, we increased the income of 8.5 million people in need, reducing the poverty rate from almost 35 percent to 5.8 percent today.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has been one of the five countries that demonstrated the most substantial progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, we intend to transform all sectors into technologically and innovation-driven growth model, thereby increasing the size of the economy to over 240 billion dollars. As a result, we aim to join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries and eradicate poverty completely.

In the near future, 30 percent of the shares in the National Investment Fund, comprising the assets of 13 major strategic enterprises, will be placed on the international capital market.

I am confident that this significant step will further bolster the trust of our partners in the investment climate of our country.

Dear friends!

We particularly acknowledge the role of the Asian Development Bank and other international financial institutions in the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan.

In partnership with the Bank, which has become our trusted strategic partner, we are implementing projects worth nearly 16 billion dollars.

We highly value ADB’s steadfast partnership from the outset in the areas of renewable energy, rural housing construction, and economic cooperation in Central Asia.

Taking this opportunity, I express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of myself and our entire nation, to the President of the Asian Development Bank, Mr. Masato Kanda, and to the Board of Governors of the Bank for their unwavering support.

I would also like to extend my special thanks to the leadership of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions, as well as to all our foreign partners, for their close cooperation.

Distinguished participants!

We have outlined specific plans with the Asian Development Bank to further expand our close cooperation in important areas such as poverty reduction, human capital development, and modern infrastructure construction.

Indeed, the previous day we signed a new cooperation program with the Bank worth 12 billion dollars.

As you are all well aware, the global economy is experiencing complex changes and new technologies are emerging rapidly in today's turbulent times.

Given this, it is necessary for us to introduce jointly with the Bank new mechanisms and effective approaches to ensure sustainable development.

First, digital technology and artificial intelligence are currently transforming virtually all sectors into entirely new formats.

According to World Trade Organization forecasts, international trade turnover will increase by an additional 40 percent due to artificial intelligence by 2040.

We are fully committed to developing information technologies. We have initiated the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Hub in Uzbekistan, based on innovation and knowledge.

We are developing more than 200 artificial intelligence projects spanning various sectors of the economy.

We are implementing programs to expand data centers, supercomputers and AI laboratories in the regions, and to train "Five Million AI Leaders".

I would particularly like to emphasize that the Asian Development Bank and our partners in the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, South Korea and China are providing us with considerable support in these areas.

The use of open AI models is, of course, also required in areas that are most essential to the population's primary needs, such as education, healthcare, water management, ecology and food security.

To this end, we propose implementing a special program under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank to scale up artificial intelligence in developing countries.

We also announce our participation in the Bank's "Digital Highway for Asia" initiative and propose opening its regional coordination center in Tashkent.

Second, the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence is, in turn, sharply increasing the demand for energy resources.

According to analysis by the International Energy Agency, the demand of data centers for electricity is expected to increase two to threefold by 2030.

Against this backdrop, only countries that can offer investors cheap, reliable and "green" energy will be able to remain competitive in the global market.

We have made significant progress in this field: in collaboration with the world's leading companies, we have launched large-scale wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts, thereby bringing the share of "green" energy in generation up to 30 percent. We plan to increase this figure to 54 percent by 2030.

Overall, our region has enormous potential for renewable energy generation. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Asian Development Bank in creating the Central Asia–Europe "green" energy corridor to expand clean energy exports. We are confident that the countries of the region, in cooperation with the Bank, will launch this "energy artery" project in the near term.

Third, ensuring the stability of interconnected transport systems and logistics corridors is becoming a most urgent issue.

In light of conflicts around the world, changes to logistics corridors are already causing freight costs for Central Asian countries to rise by up to 30 percent, and delaying delivery times by several weeks.

As you know, construction work is underway on the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" railway project, connecting East and West. This new transport route will greatly enhance the transit capacity of the entire region. Delivery times will be reduced by up to 10 days, creating the capacity to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo per year.

In this regard, we propose establishing a "Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance" within the framework of the Bank's Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program.

This will create the opportunity to streamline customs procedures, digitize document flow, and facilitate cross-border cargo transportation.

Fourth, we are interested in further strengthening our cooperation with the private sector through the Bank's participation.

In particular, we acknowledge the intensifying competition for critical minerals in the current technological age. According to international experts, demand for minerals critical to industry will increase sixfold by 2040. This presents a new opportunity.

Uzbekistan holds significant reserves of copper, tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, graphite, vanadium and titanium, among other minerals.
To harness this potential, we have set up an R&D center with our Korean partners and are building the "Future Metals Technopark" in Tashkent and Samarkand regions. We have launched over 70 projects worth 1.6 billion dollars in collaboration with major companies from the USA, China and Turkiye.

In addition to extracting minerals, we aim to stimulate economic development through deep processing. We propose joining the Asian Development Bank's "From Critical Minerals to Manufacturing" program and implementing projects with high added value within its framework.

In this context, we consider it important to introduce advanced technologies and digital solutions in geological exploration; apply environmental standards to extraction and processing operations; and create sustainable supply chains for critical minerals.

Fifth, climate change and desertification are having a serious impact on the development of Central Asian countries.

In order to mitigate the consequences of environmental problems, we have been planting 200 million seedlings annually under the national "Green Space" project for the past five years. We have created two million hectares of green protective forests on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. We have set ambitious targets to bring the level of greenery in Uzbekistan to 30 percent by 2030.

At the same time, the ADB is effectively implementing its Climate Action Plan aimed at 2030. The Bank is allocating at least 50 percent of its annual budget to financing climate projects.

I believe that undertaking such noble efforts in collaboration with the Bank and the countries of the region will yield even greater results. Therefore, we propose implementing the regional project "Central Asia Green Belt".

Sixth, due to unrest around the world, millions of tourists are looking for safe destinations.

Central Asia has great potential in the tourism sector, particularly in areas such as pilgrimage, cultural, gastronomic, ethno, extreme, and medical tourism.

We have paid special attention to this sector, implementing reforms to ensure the necessary infrastructure, services, visas and transport arrangements, and most importantly, tourist safety. As a result, over the past ten years, the number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan has increased sixfold, reaching 12 million.

The recently opened Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, recognized as the scientific and spiritual treasury of Central Asia, and the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, built in honor of the great scholar, have become new jewels of our country.

Similar complexes are also being built in neighboring countries. Therefore, we put forward the initiative to create a "Central Asia Tourism Ring", a tourist destination uniting the countries of the region.

We call on neighboring states, the Asian Development Bank, and our other partners to develop a portfolio of tourism projects and finance them jointly.

We stand ready to implement all the above-mentioned proposals and initiatives in active partnership with the Asian Development Bank, not only through sovereign lending, but also through public-private partnerships, guarantee instruments, blended finance, and private capital mobilization. In this regard, we propose the establishment of an Innovative Financing Platform for regional projects.

Distinguished governors of the Bank!

The sharp changes in today’s global economy further highlight the important role of the Asian Development Bank in ensuring the socio-economic stability of our wider region.

In this regard, we fully support the effective reforms being carried out by Mr. Masato Kanda, the Bank's President, who has extensive knowledge and experience of international finance and economic relations.

Dear participants!

Today’s forum is attended by more than 4,000 distinguished experts from over 100 countries of the world, international financial institutions, leading banks and companies.

I am confident that the important proposals and initiatives put forward at the Samarkand platform will lead to significant practical results in the future, and that each and every agreement reached will result in a tangible and beneficial project.

Taking this opportunity, I invite all of you to explore the beautiful nature, historic monuments, and the modern architecture of New Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, I wish you all sound health, new achievements and success in your future endeavors.

Negotiations were held between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš, in a narrow format and with the participation of the two countries’ delegations at the Kuksaroy Residence.

The sides discussed the current state and prospects for further development of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President emphasized that the current visit would be a breakthrough and would open a qualitatively new stage in the history of multifaceted Uzbek–Czech relations.

The dynamic development of cooperation across all areas was noted with satisfaction. Close contacts have been established at the level of governments, ministries, and agencies, while business and humanitarian exchanges have intensified.

Friendship groups have been established in the parliaments, and the Intergovernmental Commission is operating effectively.

Bilateral trade turnover has nearly doubled in recent years.

There are currently 37 joint ventures with Czech capital successfully operating in Uzbekistan, and cooperation is expanding across a broad range of new areas.

Particular attention was paid to increasing mutual trade. A target was set to raise trade turnover to $1 billion, including by expanding the range of traded goods.

To stimulate trade, the first Uzbek certification branch is being established in the Czech Republic. In cooperation with Czech partners, a modern laboratory for the certification of Euro-6 standard vehicles and quantum measurement standards is also under construction.

An agreement was reached to prepare a Technological Cooperation Program with leading Czech companies, including the implementation of projects in mechanical engineering, green energy, geology and critical raw materials, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

Prospects for cooperation in infrastructure development, the creation of smart cities, engineering, and digitalization were also noted.

In this context, the project initiatives presented at the Uzbek–Czech Business Forum held the previous day were supported.

The sides welcomed the intentions of the Export Credit Insurance Agency and the Export Bank of the Czech Republic to support project implementation in Uzbekistan.

To advance the economic agenda, it was proposed to establish a Business Council and to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Tashkent this August.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, both sides confirmed their interest in expanding educational and academic exchanges, including through dual degree programs.

The importance of regularly holding cultural and film days, exhibitions, and concerts, as well as increasing tourist flows, was emphasized.

To this end, the resumption of direct flights between the capitals of the two countries will be explored.

The prospects for cooperation in the field of organized labor migration were also discussed separately.

The sides also exchanged views on issues on the international agenda.

In conclusion, an agreement was reached to prepare a joint roadmap for the timely implementation of the decisions adopted.

On April 21, 2026, the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a scientific and practical seminar on “The Contemporary Geostrategic Situation in the Middle East and Uzbekistan,” with the participation of master’s students from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and the Diplomatic Academy.

The main objective of the event was to conduct an in-depth study of current geopolitical processes taking place in the Middle East region, as well as their significance for the countries of Central Asia, in particular for Uzbekistan and regional cooperation.

During the seminar, participants exchanged views on pressing issues of regional security, the expansion of economic cooperation, and the integration of transport and logistics systems. In addition, scientific and analytical assessments were presented regarding the impact of geostrategic processes on global and regional development.

The event was attended by the academic staff of the Diplomatic Academy and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, as well as PhD candidates and master’s students of UWED.

On April 21, 2026, the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy held a scientific and practical seminar on “The Contemporary Geostrategic Situation in the Middle East and Uzbekistan,” with the participation of master’s students from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and the Diplomatic Academy.

The event's primary goal was to thoroughly examine the geopolitical developments occurring in the Middle East and their implications for Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan and regional cooperation.

The seminar featured discussions among participants on key regional security concerns, the enhancement of economic collaboration, and the integration of transport and logistics networks. Attendees also shared scientific and analytical insights into how geostrategic developments influence both global and regional progress.

The event was attended by the academic staff of the Diplomatic Academy and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, as well as PhD candidates and master’s students of UWED.

On April 14, 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a public speaking contest in Hindi, dedicated to the celebration of the Hindi language.

The contest was opened by the Rector of UWED, S.Safaev. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Ms. Smita Pant, Indian diplomats, as well faculty members and students of the university.

During the event, students demonstrated their knowledge and public speaking skills in Hindi. At the conclusion of the contest, the best participants were selected and awarded by H.E. Ms. Smita Pant.

The contest reflected a strong interest among students in learning foreign languages and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between Uzbekistan and India.

On April 9, 2026, an online meeting was held at the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy with the leadership of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential cooperative projects, exchange experiences, and foster cooperation between the two nations' diplomatic educational institutions.

The parties discussed topics pertaining to research areas, educational initiatives, and the training of diplomatic personnel.

The parties also indicated that they would be open to discussing the creation of a draft memorandum of cooperation as well as the planning of cooperative training sessions, seminars, and academic exchange programs for diplomats.

After the conference, it was decided to carry on discussions in a number of areas, such as conducting cooperative research, creating educational courses, putting experience exchange programs into place, and keeping in touch on the topics that were addressed.

From March 30 to April 3, 2026 a special professional development course titled "Basics of Diplomacy, Methods and Techniques of Negotiation, Rules of International Protocol and Etiquette: Practical Work with the USA" was held by the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. Fifty-two participants, including representatives of local government authority as well as business entities from the Samarkand region, attended.

As part of the program, lectures were delivered on current issues of the foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbek-American relations, economic diplomacy, business ethics, negotiation processes, as well as diplomatic protocol and etiquette.

The workshops took place in a hybrid style (online and offline) over the course of five days. Prominent academics and instructors from the Diplomatic Academy and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy facilitated the educational process.

All participants received certificates in the prescribed format after completing the course.

On March 25–26 of this year, the international conference titled “India – Central Asia: Connectivity, Security and Sustainable Partnership in a Multipolar World” was held in New Delhi. The event was organized by the India–Central Asia Foundation.

The conference brought together prominent diplomats, former ambassadors, and experts from India and Central Asian countries. Discussions focused on political cooperation, regional security, trade and economic relations, transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The Director of the Diplomatic Academy under the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, A. Khaydarov, delivered a presentation on “Central Asia and Emerging Multipolar Order.” The report highlighted key aspects of cooperation among Central Asian countries in the current geopolitical environment, as well as Uzbekistan’s international initiatives.

The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to further strengthening dialogue and cooperation between Central Asian countries and India, as well as to the development of academic and expert-level ties.

From March 2 to March 31, 2026, the Diplomatic Academy of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy organized advanced training courses on “Military Diplomacy” for representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The conceptual foundations of Uzbekistan's revitalized foreign policy, contemporary developments in international relations, concerns of regional and global security, the structure and efficacy of the negotiation process,
diplomatic protocol and etiquette, information and analytical activities,
digital diplomacy, and modern issues of international law were all
covered in lectures and seminars conducted as part of the training program.

Special attention during the courses was given to military diplomacy, the development of military-technical cooperation of the Republic of Uzbekistan with foreign countries, the country’s participation in international organizations, the activities of NATO, the institution of military attachés, as well as the role of military diplomacy in ensuring national security.

The sessions were conducted by the faculty of the Diplomatic Academy, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, as well as prominent experts from other specialized organizations of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

After completing the courses, an assessment test was conducted, and state certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the training.

On March 26, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks in a narrow format at the Kuksaroy residence, followed by the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.

The President of Uzbekistan specifically noted that the current state visit of the President of Tajikistan marks a landmark event and represents another important step in strengthening the centuries-old bonds of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect between the two countries.

“Today, we are opening the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format will undoubtedly elevate bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level and enrich Uzbek–Tajik strategic partnership and alliance with concrete substance and breakthrough initiatives,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Active and close contacts at the levels of governments, parliaments, and agencies were noted with satisfaction.

In preparation for the visit, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, an industrial exhibition, and forums of regional leaders, rectors, scientists, youth, and think tanks were successfully held. Uzbekistan is also hosting the Days of Tajik Culture and Cinema.

During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail new areas of cooperation, analyzed the use of potential opportunities, and made a number of important decisions designed to give a significant impetus to strengthening mutually beneficial Uzbek-Tajik cooperation.

Special attention was paid to measures to increase the volume of mutual trade, stimulate the growth of industrial cooperation, enhance transport connectivity, and strengthen water and energy security.

Last year, bilateral trade approached $1 billion, driven primarily by the exchange of finished goods.

Numerous joint projects are being successfully implemented across key sectors, including industry, construction, agriculture, textiles, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and others.

Currently, the capitals of the two countries are connected by ten regular flights, as well as bus and rail services, while freight traffic continues to grow steadily.

The parties also considered opportunities to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2030.

This will be facilitated by agreements to accelerate the establishment of the Oybek–Fotekhobod border trade center, the introduction of digital systems for goods certification and the exchange of "E-Permit" authorizations, and the modernization of border crossing points.

In addition, a dedicated Industrial Cooperation program is being adopted, which includes projects in the mining, energy, agricultural, electrical, light, construction, and other sectors.

The importance of expanding the capital base of the joint Investment Company to support promising projects was noted. Today, new joint projects in the territories of both countries will also be launched.

Prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, water management, transport, and many other spheres were substantively reviewed and outlined.

The leaders agreed to give additional impetus to interregional ties and to encourage humanitarian, educational, and scientific exchanges.

Given the presence of large diaspora communities, a proposal was put forward to adopt a five-year program of events aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties.

The heads of state also exchanged views on key regional and international issues.

The importance of continuing close dialogue and mutual support within multilateral structures and regional formats in Central Asia was noted. An agreement was reached to intensify cooperation in the security sphere.

At the meeting, reports were heard from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Prime Ministers of the two countries, on key areas of cooperation.

Following the meeting, it was decided to adopt a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the full implementation of the agreements reached.