Aliaksandr Lukashenka met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in Belarus today. The working program began with a one-on-one meeting at Lukashenka’s residence in Astrashytski Haradok, followed by an informal dinner.
The official part of the visit, involving the two countries’ delegations, will take place on July 9, Lukashenka’s press service said.
Welcoming the Uzbek leader, Lukashenka thanked him for coming to Belarus, which he described as the geographical center of Europe. According to the Belarusian ruler, he had learned this from people in Russia.
“Thank you for finding the time, during these difficult and challenging times, to come to Belarus from Asia, straight to the center of Europe. I had never really paid attention to it before, but it turns out that northern Belarus is the geographical center of Europe. That is what I was told in Russia. So you have come directly to the center of Europe. I think we will have a good meeting and discuss all issues, both behind the scenes and openly, both public and private. As always, we will exchange all the information we have in a friendly manner. I have been preparing for this meeting, and I started preparing a long time ago. So once again, welcome to my home,” he said.
Mirziyoyev said the two countries had thoroughly prepared for the visit and had a broad agenda for discussion. He added that bilateral cooperation had intensified significantly after Lukashenka’s visit to Uzbekistan.
“After your historic visit, our relations have reached an entirely different level. Prime ministers meet, ministers meet, parliaments meet. For the first time, I have brought such a large delegation with me—230 Uzbek companies are in Minsk today. The forum is taking place at the highest level. Three of our largest regions, each with a population of around four million people, are represented: Tashkent Region, Fergana Region, and Andijan Region. They have come here together with their colleagues. I have been told about many promising projects.
I am pleased to be here. Today, as I was driving, I saw how dynamically your country is developing. People look happy, the streets are orderly—as always, as it should be under your leadership. This country is developing. Once again, I congratulate you on these achievements. We truly have a good opportunity to exchange views and have a meaningful conversation,” he said.
