Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Presidents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhaa, held talks with their respective official delegations.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of Mongolia expressed sincere gratitude to the Uzbekistan President for the invitation to visit the country on a state visit and for the warm reception.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and delegation members, noting that this visit by the President of Mongolia marks a new chapter in the development of Uzbek-Mongolian multi-faceted relations.

During the talks, discussions focused on further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction with the intensification of contacts and exchanges at the governmental, ministerial, and departmental levels, as well as the growth in trade volume. Fruitful political consultations were held in preparation for the current summit, and the official opening of the Mongolian embassy in Tashkent is scheduled in the coming days.

The importance of strengthening political dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations, continuing mutual support in international organizations, and enhancing security contacts were emphasized. Mongolia was one of the first countries to fully support Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization and signed the corresponding protocol.

Special attention was given to deepening trade and economic cooperation. They noted the potential for increasing bilateral trade by 5-10 times in the coming years, primarily through expanding the range and volume of demanded products.

In this regard, the governments were tasked with establishing a joint working group on increasing trade turnover, exploring the possibility of opening official trade houses in Ulaanbaatar and Tashkent, preparing for the signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement, and proposing mutual simplification of market access.

Agreements were also reached on holding mutual industrial exhibitions in the capitals of both countries.

The President of Uzbekistan initiated the adoption of a medium-term Program of Industrial Cooperation. Several specific areas of cooperation were identified as priorities.

Firstly, partnership in geology, exploration, and processing of raw materials resources, with an emphasis on human resource development in this field.

Additionally, comprehensive cooperation in agriculture and related sectors will be established. Plans are already in place for large livestock complexes in Karakalpakstan, Namangan, and other regions.

Proposals were prepared for importing meat and processed meat products from Mongolia and exporting poultry meat, fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from Uzbekistan.

Support was voiced for creating a production cluster for meat products meeting "Halal" standards, with subsequent exports to regional countries.

Projects were also proposed for deep processing of wool and leather to produce finished products, as well as for harvesting fruits and vegetables.

The need to develop partnerships between research institutions, especially in the field of animal husbandry, was emphasized.

The parties also agreed to support private sector projects and business initiatives.

Today, the leaders of Uzbekistan and Mongolia will meet with representatives of business circles from both countries who have prepared new project proposals.

Among these are plans for opening a modern diagnostic center in Tashkent using advanced technologies, projects in light industry, digitalization, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

These plans will be supported by the active work of the Business Council being established and regular holding of joint business forums.

Key agreements on mutual investment protection and taxation principles will be adopted to support cooperative projects.

To strengthen transport connectivity during the visit, significant agreements were reached on air and road transport. The possibility of establishing direct air links between the capitals of the two countries will be explored.

Additionally, it was proposed to conduct a joint analysis of the most efficient and shortest transport corridors, including routes through Kyrgyzstan and China.

To advance the economic agenda effectively, an agreement was reached to hold the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission at the level of deputy prime ministers.

Special attention was given to enhancing cultural and humanitarian ties and exchanges.

It was noted that Mongolian citizens who have studied in Uzbekistan's higher education institutions over the years serve as a true bridge of friendship and partnership.

Agreement was reached to promote academic exchanges between leading universities and to resume the education of talented Mongolian students in Uzbekistan based on grants.

Tomorrow, a joint concert of arts masters featuring the renowned Mongolian orchestra "Morin Khuur" will be held in Tashkent.

To bring the peoples of the two countries closer together, a program of humanitarian cooperation will be developed, and reciprocal Culture Days will be held in Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar next year.

The importance of developing tourist exchanges based on joint programs and products, considering the visa-free regime between the two countries, was emphasized.

Furthermore, cooperation will be established in the fields of ecology, environmental protection, sports, and youth exchanges.

Following the negotiations, preparations were tasked with drafting a "roadmap" for the timely and quality implementation of the agreements reached.

The head of our state accepted the invitation from President Khurelsukh Ukhaa to visit Mongolia on a return visit to continue productive dialogue.