Mirziyoyev–Fico talks: agreements reached on key areas of cooperation

On June 9, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Kuksaroy residence. According to the presidential press service, the meeting focused on strengthening practical cooperation and launching a new phase in Uzbek-Slovak relations.

At the beginning of the talks, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the visit marks the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in bilateral ties. It was noted with satisfaction that constructive political dialogue has been established, and business and humanitarian exchanges are intensifying.

Key outcomes of the meeting include:

- trade and investment: the sides agreed to expand trade turnover by diversifying the range of exported goods. Uzbekistan will supply textiles, agricultural products, electrical and chemical goods, and polymers, while Slovakia will export rubber, car parts, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products.

- technical cooperation: agreements were reached on launching a quantum standard laboratory and eliminating technical trade barriers through enhanced cooperation in metrology and technical regulation.

- industrial projects: a large-scale industrial cooperation program will be developed in partnership with leading Slovak companies. The program will include projects in agriculture, automotive parts localization, pharmaceuticals, green energy, and tourism.

- digital and startup sector: the two leaders discussed creating a joint venture fund to support IT startups and attract digital investments.

- financial support mechanisms: it was proposed to widely use available financial instruments to implement joint projects.

- education and culture: both sides agreed to expand cooperation in higher education and academic exchange. Joint research programs will be launched, including with Comenius University in Bratislava. A cultural cooperation program will also be adopted, covering exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and museum-related projects.

- labor migration: special attention was paid to developing organized labor migration. The Slovak side expressed interest in building systematic cooperation in this area.

- international affairs: the parties exchanged views on global issues and reaffirmed mutual support in multilateral platforms.

To ensure effective implementation of all agreements, the governments of both countries will prepare a detailed roadmap.

Robert Fico arrived in Uzbekistan on the evening of June 8. The following day, he laid flowers at the Independence Monument in the New Uzbekistan Park and took part in the official welcoming ceremony at the Kuksaroy residence. Fico is also scheduled to participate in the fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum.