Opinions & Interviews

Mirziyoyev on cooperation with Belarus: A historic moment we must use here and now

MINSK, 9 July (BelTA) – The current level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Belarus is a historic moment that should be exploited to mutual benefit here and now. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the statement during expanded-format negotiations with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 9 July, BelTA has learned.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev said: “We will proceed from talks to real deeds. Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] has opened up very serious perspectives for us, has given us broad opportunities [for advancing cooperation]. We should use them. It is a historic moment. If we don’t use them today, it will be too late tomorrow. It is mutually beneficial both for Uzbekistan and for Belarus.”

A declaration on establishing relations of strategic partnership has been signed as a result of the visit. Shavkat Mirziyoyev described it as a truly historic document that heralds the beginning of a new chapter of interstate interaction. “With this document we have confirmed the common policy towards long-term development of partnership and friendly relations,” he said. “It secures the foundations and principles of our interaction, determines a broad range of avenues. I am convinced that this important step will enjoy broad support both in Uzbekistan and in Belarus.”

The Uzbekistan president expressed genuine gratitude to Aleksandr Lukashenko for the invitation to visit Belarus and for the traditionally warm and hospitable reception in Minsk. Seizing the occasion, he also congratulated the Belarus president and the entire Belarusian nation on the recent holiday – Independence Day – and wished peace, accord, and wellbeing.

“Every time when I visit Belarus, I get convinced how dynamically your country develops, how the GDP grows (primarily thanks to the manufacturing sector, processing industry), how real revenues of the population grow,” the Uzbekistan president noted.

He also praised Belarus’ initiative to plant an alley of friendship in Tashkentskaya Street in Minsk. In his words, it is deeply symbolical and has been applauded by residents of Uzbekistan. “It is a very good initiative that brings our nations closer to each other. We are very grateful to the Belarusian side,” the head of state stressed.