Uzbekistan and Slovakia expand strategic partnership and trade ties

In Samarkand, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini held talks to strengthen strategic partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Slovakia. The discussions also focused on boosting trade, investment, and industrial cooperation in key sectors.

Photo: Presidential press service

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference.

The leaders addressed the most pressing issues related to deepening bilateral strategic ties and expanding multifaceted cooperation. They highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral exchanges at all levels and noted that collaboration in priority areas is steadily advancing.

This year, political consultations and the first session of the intergovernmental commission were successfully conducted. Business relations have grown more active, and the number of joint ventures has tripled.

The discussions also covered increasing trade volumes and investment, as well as extending industrial cooperation in key sectors. It was agreed to boost exports of Uzbek textiles, leather, fruits, vegetables, and other high-demand products, while Slovakia will supply rubber, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial goods. To support this, national product exhibitions will be organized, and trade houses opened.

Special attention was given to advancing digitalization. A proposal was made to establish a joint center for monitoring bank cybersecurity and implementing advanced cargo-tracking systems.

Slovak businesses expressed their readiness to further expand cooperation in automotive parts, processed dairy products, and other sectors.

The leaders also discussed prospects for humanitarian and educational exchanges. Plans include holding the first forum of university rectors from both countries in Bratislava in 2026, as well as organizing tourism exhibitions and reciprocal Tourism Days. The topic of orderly labor migration was also addressed.