Historical talks of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia in Tashkent

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Ivica Dačić met with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtior Odilovich Saidov, which started the second day of his visit to the countries of Central Asia.

Minister Dačić expressed his satisfaction at the opportunity to officially visit Uzbekistan, which is proof of Serbia's firm commitment to the further development of traditionally good and friendly bilateral relations, as well as to the improvement and deepening of overall cooperation.

The head of Serbian diplomacy welcomed the initiation of the mechanism of political and economic consultations, which should provide an institutional impetus and contribute to the progress and direction of our overall cooperation in the coming period.

Minister Dačić emphasised that Serbia was determined to continue its efforts in strengthening the contractual and legal base as a prerequisite for the further development of comprehensive economic and trade cooperation.

In this sense, Mr Dačić pointed out that there was the potential for intensifying cooperation in the field of agriculture, textile industry, metallurgical industry, pharmacy and many more and added that it was important to consider the possibility of establishing an Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Trade Cooperation, as one of the possible incentives for the development of our relations.

He also emphasised the importance of improving parliamentary cooperation as an effective instrument for strengthening political dialogue and understanding between our two friendly countries.

Mr Dačić informed that Serbia had submitted a candidacy for the organisation of the Specialised EXPO 2027 World Exhibition covering the theme of "Play for Humanity - Sport and Music for All", and that we would appreciate Uzbekistan's support for our candidacy.

Minister Dačić thanked Uzbekistan for its principled and consistent support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtior Saidov welcomed the head of Serbian diplomacy and expressed his belief that this historic visit of the Serbian head of diplomacy to Uzbekistan would give a new impetus to our relations, as well as that it would raise the cooperation of our countries to a higher level.

Mr Saidov reiterated the unchanged position of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.

The head of Serbian diplomacy invited his colleague to visit Serbia in the coming period and conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to the President of Uzbekistan, with an invitation to visit Serbia.