Negotiations with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Independence Palace on 9 July.

The talks, which were held in narrow and expanded formats, were preceded by an official welcome ceremony featuring the guard of honor and the performance of the anthems of the two countries.

“I already welcomed you yesterday in an informal, home setting. I want to repeat once again, now officially: I am glad you have come. At all international meetings we exchanged views regarding this visit. I told you then that we were very much looking forward to your arrival as a friend of the Belarusian people. And we are ready to do everything to ensure that the visit goes successfully,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “As for our views, I want to say that in the main directions we adhere to the same policy as Uzbekistan. We support multipolarity. We do not want to interfere with anyone. We look to our own people, and Uzbekistan looks to its own people. But at the same time, we are carrying out very active work to align our interests.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Uzbekistan is among Belarus’ ten key foreign partners. Among CIS states it ranks third. “It certainly cannot be compared with giant Russia, but still the level is very high. We have made significant progress with you. Back in the times of your first President, I dreamed of reaching such a level of relations, but not everything worked out then. Together with you we have made this breakthrough,” the President said.

He stated that at one point, the two sides discussed the need to achieve $1 billion in trade. However, now the goal has been set at $2 billion, with corresponding tasks being assigned to agencies of both countries.

“It is very important that, in addition to joint projects (here we will strictly fulfill our commitments), with your help we could also enter third countries, especially those close to Uzbekistan. They have great interest, and we will work together. All the more so since this work has already begun,” the Belarusian leader noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Uzbekistan are discussing a number of specific projects involving companies from both sides. “You are doing great. The companies you have operating on the market are of the highest level,” the head of state noted.

He mentioned, in particular, mechanical engineering and cooperation in this area: “We have already mastered joint production of the 130-tonne BelAZ in your country. We are ready to move to the 220-tonne model. We need to advance in this direction. If there is the same level of support from Uzbekistan as now, we will do this very quickly. As for tractor manufacturing, you said yesterday that we can reach around 3,000 units [per year at the joint production facility in Uzbekistan]. We will provide service support. In general, we will make sure that across the entire mechanical engineering sector there will be nothing to be ashamed of.”

Another promising area is agriculture and processing of relevant products. Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that this sector is highly developed in Belarus. “We are ready both for supplies and for opening joint production facilities in your country, which we are already doing in poultry meat, dairy processing, and so on. We are ready to move forward in this regard,” the Belarusian leader assured.

The President also drew attention to humanitarian cooperation. “It was pleasant for me to hear that you are satisfied with our healthcare. Your people who come to us for treatment have never complained to you that we receive them poorly. They are alive and healthy, thank God. We are also moving forward in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. We are good at these areas. We are ready to share our experience, from educational processes to providing assistance to people. If you need anything, just tell us: we are always ready,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian head of state also thanked his colleague for cultural exchange, including the concert of Uzbek masters of arts held in Minsk: “Our people are very pleased. Some saw for the first time that Uzbekistan has such a high level of culture. So it is good that we have exchanges. Last year your country hosted the Days of Belarusian Culture, and this year we hosted yours [the Days of Uzbek Culture].”

Summing up, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that given the active development of cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan, the current talks at the level of heads of state are symbolic to some extent. “We will bless everything that has been done up to this day. Business representatives and a huge number of companies have met, and they have agreed on many things. Humanitarian cooperation has also gained momentum. Yesterday we held a three-hour dialogue. What remains for us here? As they say in church, ‘to bless it’; or to ask Allah that all this be implemented. And that is what we will do,” the President said.

Belarus is ready to organize supplies of products for the needs of Uzbekistan's state reserve, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during the expanded-format talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"We are ready to organize supplies of frozen beef, sugar, butter, and other items for the needs of Uzbekistan’s state reserve. If it suits you, please, go ahead. The President mentioned canned stewed meat, condensed milk, and other products. Not even for military purposes or for state procurement needs. They are in demand in everyday life. We are ready to produce these goods,’ Aleksandr Lukashenko said. 

According to him, Belarus is ready to ensure stable supplies of products in demand on the Uzbek market: meat and dairy products and other foodstuffs, timber and pharmaceuticals, and also mechanical engineering and petrochemical goods.

“I know that not only food and our mechanical engineering products are in demand in Uzbekistan, but also our furniture. Let us produce the goods that Uzbekistan needs. Moreover, I invite your specialists for quality control, ordering, procurement and supplies of the products you need to Uzbekistan,” the President said.

In trade relations, the Belarusian head of state proposed striving for balance. “We have a steady demand for Uzbek rolled metal, cotton yarn, knitted fabric and clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dried fruits. Everything you produce in the south is lacking here. These need to be supplied here. We will support any initiative of yours, whether it concerns the market or retail,” he noted.

The head of state also mentioned the opening of the Uzbekistan Trading House in Minsk which will give Minsk residents and visitors to the capital an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the best Uzbek goods. “But one trading house is not enough. This experience needs to be scaled up. It would be desirable to have an Uzbek trading house in every region," the Belarusian leader suggested.

Belarus stands ready to provide assistance to Uzbekistan in developing agricultural sector through joint projects.

“Building up mutual agricultural supplies fully meets the interests of both sides. We are ready to provide the Uzbek side with every possible assistance in the development of the agricultural sector through joint projects. Both in Uzbekistan and, as we agreed today, in Belarus,” the head of state said.

He noted that agriculture is among the most promising areas of cooperation. “Trade in food and agricultural raw materials between our countries surged almost 1.5 times in 2025 as against a year prior,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. 

Aleksandr Lukashenko praised the achieved level of mutually beneficial cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan, highlighting the spirit of friendship and trust. He noted that the signing of the declaration on establishing strategic partnership between Belarus and Uzbekistan is a historic event that lends special significance to the visit.

“We are successfully implementing the agreements reached in Tashkent in 2024 [during the official visit of the Belarusian President] to increase our trade,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state pointed out that in 2025, trade grew by more than 35%, and in January–May 26, the growth rates are even higher.

The Belarusian President believes that the two countries have real opportunities to reach $2 billion in trade by 2030, driven by stronger cooperation in engineering, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and several other sectors.

“The President just told me that the conversation we had in a narrow format was worth the trip to Belarus alone. This is because we have agreed on a fundamentally new approach to our relations in areas of cooperation that are important for both Uzbekistan and Belarus,” the head of state said.

“To ensure that our ambitious plans are brought to fruition, the governments have prepared a roadmap outlining the key areas of joint work for the next five years. This means specific volumes, units, responsible parties, and deadlines. Central to this effort is industrial cooperation, which makes a significant contribution to Uzbekistan’s technological sovereignty,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

For instance, around 1,300 MTZ tractors were assembled in Uzbekistan over the year, with the localization rate for certain models set to surpass 30% shortly. “This is a high level for a start. We expect production to reach 3,000 units annually in the near future. A service network has been established, and there are plans to open a branded training facility,” he said. “I promised the President: if needed, we are ready to welcome your people straight to our assembly line and train them quickly.” 

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that the first investment project in the agricultural industry was launched two years ago – the establishment of an advanced, full-cycle poultry complex in Tashkent Region, covering everything from hatching eggs to meat processing and the sale of finished products. According to the Uzbek side, this project is developing successfully.

The President also welcomed the interest of Uzbek businesses in establishing modern livestock complexes in Vitebsk Oblast. “Today, we agreed on bringing Uzbek investors, for example, to Vitebsk Oblast, to acquire plots of land. Things are quite well organized there to start working, manufacturing products, and supplying meat, milk, and poultry from there to Uzbekistan,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “For you, this is an opportunity to produce and supply high-quality meat products to Uzbekistan, while for Belarus, it means new jobs and rural development.”

“The growth in the number of such projects will be facilitated by Uzbekistan’s recent accession to the CIS Agreement on Services and Investment. Now we have not only bilateral but also multilateral investment mechanisms at our disposal,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He emphasized that in developing their cooperation, the parties do not limit themselves exclusively to economic aspects – the development of interregional cooperation, as well as the implementation of joint projects in scientific, technological, social, cultural, and humanitarian domains, are equally important.

Ahead of Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit, Minsk hosted the 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan. “That is a very good initiative,” the President said.

“Speaking of the multifaceted nature of Belarus-Uzbekistan interaction, we must not forget that this was achieved not only thanks to us, men – as it happens, it is only men at the negotiation table today. It is with Uzbekistan that we launched a unique format: the Belarus-Uzbekistan Women’s Business Forum, which has already held three sessions under the auspices of the speakers of our parliaments’ upper houses. I am certain they have everything under control, but our support here wouldn’t hurt, and we fully back these initiatives,” the Belarusian leader noted.

In conclusion, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized: “The main thing is not to stand still (even if it is just a small step every week or month, so that people can see and appreciate our progress) and not to look for easy ways out, but to come forward with new, timely initiatives and persistently pursue their implementation.”

The President also invited Uzbek citizens to come to Belarus for work with their families: “Let’s work together. Belarusians have a very warm attitude toward Uzbeks, just as citizens of Uzbekistan feel toward Belarusians. We need to make use of this.”

“Let's move toward each other. The political will of the presidents is there, the support is there, so we must act. Act quickly,” the Belarusian leader said.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have come to an agreement on a brand new approach towards relations between the two countries.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The President has just told me that the conversation we’ve had as part of the restricted-format talks is something one had to come to Belarus for. Because we have agreed on a brand new approach towards sensitive avenues of Belarus-Uzbekistan cooperation in our relations.”

“For the sake of implementing our ambitious plans, the governments have prepared a roadmap that determines the main directions of joint work for a five-year term. Tonnes, units, responsible parties, deadlines. The key one is industrial cooperation, which makes a substantial contribution to Uzbekistan’s technological sovereignty,” the Belarus President noted.

The Belarusian head of state noted that as always, the negotiations had proceeded in a friendly and trustful atmosphere. The presidents discussed the current state and prospects of developing the entire spectrum of Belarusian-Uzbek partnership in detail.

“Primarily trade and economic matters were in the center of attention. It is natural. Esteemed Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev] and I are pragmatic people. As Belarusians say, of this earth. This is why we look at our top-priority tasks in the same manner,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President said he was glad that the parties have made noticeable progress since his official visit to Uzbekistan in February 2024. In 2025 Minsk and Tashkent achieved the highest mutual trade figure on record and got close to $1 billion. “And this year we’ve been going forward while increasing the pace, not reducing the pace,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that the heads of state share the belief that it is feasible to double the bilateral trade turnover by 2030.

The roadmap adopted to guide the development of Belarus-Uzbekistan cooperation in the next five years stipulates concrete steps for reaching the outlined goals. “Particularly since there are successful examples of creation of joint manufacturing facilities. These are projects to localize the production of Belarusian tractors in Uzbekistan, to expand the manufacturing of cable products,” the Belarusian head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko drew attention to the development of other cooperation avenues, too. For instance, the 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan that took place in Minsk the day before confirmed the strategic course towards invigorating versatile interregional ties. Apart from that, a medical forum and a tourism forum and another Belarusian-Uzbek forum of higher education and vocational training will take place by the end of the year.

Interaction in humanitarian affairs develops dynamically, too. In 2025 Belarusian Culture Days successfully took place in Uzbekistan. The other day Belarusians had an opportunity to enjoy distinctive and vivid art of Uzbek performers.

The planting of an alley in honor of Belarusian-Uzbek friendship in the park named after the 900th anniversary of the city of Minsk yesterday confirms the friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries. It is symbolical that the park is located in Tashkentskaya Street.

“In conclusion I’d like to emphasize that we think very highly of results of the completed official negotiations. Just like the President of Uzbekistan does,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He thanked the Uzbekistan President for always having an open and constructive approach, for the readiness to exercise maximum effort in the name of development and prosperity of countries and nations.

The President also expressed gratitude to everyone, who participated in preparations for the visit, to members of the delegations, to participants of the Forum of Regions. Aleksandr Lukashenko described the package of documents, which had been signed as a result of the visit, as quite sizeable.

“We just have to fulfill everything we have agreed on. Everything we are capable of in Belarus and can do for Uzbekistan, we will definitely do. I’ve promised that to Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev]. Trust me, we will complete our journey on time. The President of Uzbekistan also said that he would not lag behind. He will also make this journey on time as one should,” the Belarusian leader concluded.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the declaration on establishing strategic partnership relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan.

“A historic step. The document officially formalizes the high level of bilateral relations, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, trust, and consideration of each other’s interests. This will give an additional impetus to joint work in politics, trade and economy, investment, culture and humanitarian matters and also security and countering modern challenges and threats,” the Belarusian President stated.

The declaration is aimed at deepening cooperation in industry, agriculture, transport logistics, and various areas of interregional cooperation.

Following the talks between the heads of state, a package of documents was signed. These include a roadmap for trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan for 2026-2030.