Priorities for expansion of Uzbek-Turkish strategic partnership determined

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In accordance with the program, the second meeting of the Uzbek-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held.

Welcoming the leader of Turkey, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of cooperation, strengthening of interaction between the parliaments, government bodies, business and public circles of the two countries.

The head of our state noted that Uzbekistan is interested in further building up and strengthening the multifaceted Uzbek-Turkish relations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two countries, “based on family ties”, is developing in all areas, in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

The leaders noted with satisfaction that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of the founding of strategic partnership relations between the two states.

Exchanges of official visits and regular contacts between the leaders of the two countries contributed to the strengthening of a constructive political dialogue and opened up wide opportunities for a fruitful practical partnership.

Trade and investment ties are developing dynamically. Thus, in recent years, mutual trade has grown 2.5 times, exceeding 3.6 billion US dollars. The number of joint ventures increased 5 times and exceeded 2,000. Investment cooperation indicators have grown 70 times.

In order to further enhance bilateral cooperation, the parties dwelled in detail on the priority areas for further expanding cooperation, in particular in such areas as trade and the economy, investment, transport, textile industry, energy, agriculture, healthcare, cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Agreements were reached on strengthening cooperation in carrying out reforms in Uzbekistan, systemic interaction in introducing public-private partnership mechanisms, deepening cooperation in the field of science, education, art, cinema, tourism and information.

It was noted that following the meeting, important documents will be signed that will bring cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey to a new level. Among them are agreements on preferential trade, development of cooperation in the field of construction, healthcare, justice, customs exchange, etc. It is planned to adopt a joint “road map” for the practical implementation of the decisions of the meeting of the Uzbek-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Given the scale of cooperation achieved, the parties decided to raise bilateral relations to a new level - a comprehensive strategic partnership.

At the end of the talks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Turkey to participate in the next meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council.