Lukashenko on relations with Uzbekistan: much has been done, but there is still room for improvement

Much has been achieved in the relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan, but there is still room for progress. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting with the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbaeva, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The Head of State noted that the visit takes place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan. "Much has been done, but there is room for progress in these challenging times, when international relations are at a turning point," the President characterised the level of cooperation.

According to him, Belarus is ready to develop relations and share any technologies. The Head of State particularly highlighted the effective interaction between the two countries and mutual support in international forums and regional associations, expressing gratitude for the support in accelerating Belarus's accession to the SCO. "We will always support you, because your course towards peace, towards friendly relations with neighbours and other countries, is also our course," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The President believes that the Belarusian-Uzbek Women's Business Forum, currently taking place in Minsk, will play a role in the development of relations between the two countries. "I would very much like us to move towards regional cooperation (as with the Russian Federation, we already have experience), the basis of which is the economy. This is important for us, and even more so for Uzbekistan in terms of technology. Starting not with simple trade, but with enterprise cooperation, transferring our technologies to Uzbekistan – this would be very interesting for you. We are ready to work in this direction absolutely openly," emphasised Alexander Lukashenko.

The Head of State pointed out that Belarus has a very warm attitude towards Uzbekistan and its people, who are similar to Belarusians in the main aspect – they are very hardworking people who have had to overcome many trials in their history.

Speaking about his personal attitude towards the country, Alexander Lukashenko said that he has been closely observing the development of Uzbekistan for a long time and believes that the people are fortunate with the current leader – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: "You have a very good President. I tell him to his face: you must not let down the people who trust and believe in you so much."

"He is fortunate in that he passionately wants to make life better for Uzbekistan and its people," the Belarusian leader added. "Uzbekistan has a great future. And my advice to you is to try and keep your President for as long as possible. He needs time to unfold."

Alexander Lukashenko said that he had visited Uzbekistan many times, and not long ago, together with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, he visited the south of this republic, which has stunningly beautiful places. The head of the Uzbek state again invited his Belarusian counterpart to his country, but, as the President of Belarus admitted, he would like to visit the mountainous regions of this country in winter: "I will try to get away in the near future to visit your mountains." In turn, Tanzila Narbaeva conveyed greetings from the President of Uzbekistan and an invitation to visit the country: the Belarusian leader is expected in Uzbekistan at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

Source: belta.by