Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Alisher Shukurov, held a meeting with Normunds Šmits, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia.

This substantive dialogue opened a new chapter in agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on the modernization of agriculture, the introduction of innovative technologies, strengthening environmental resilience, and advancing sustainable development.

Special attention was given to the establishment of modern sapling cultivation centers in Uzbekistan. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and biodiversity loss, greening efforts and the creation of sustainable landscapes are gaining strategic importance. In this context, the Latvian initiative to establish such centers in Uzbekistan represents a significant step toward technological and environmental alignment between the two countries.

Adapting Latvia’s advanced expertise in plant breeding and sapling cultivation technologies to Uzbekistan’s agro-climatic conditions will enable the development of drought- and heat-resistant species. This will contribute to the expansion of green zones, combating desertification, and restoring ecological balance.

A dedicated part of the talks focused on the development of arboriculture — the science and profession of proper tree care and urban green space management. In partnership with the Bulduri Horticultural School in Latvia, the launch of professional development programs for Uzbek specialists is planned. This will create opportunities for youth to acquire promising skills in urban landscape management, tree care, and sustainable greening of settlements.

In doing so, Uzbekistan is taking a step toward recognizing arboriculture as a new profession and a strategic direction in its environmental policy, which will positively impact youth employment and the formation of a livable urban environment.

Another important area of discussion was the expansion of academic cooperation. In particular, an agreement was reached to elevate the collaboration between Tashkent State Agrarian University, the "Green University," and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies to a qualitatively new level. The partnership will include academic exchanges, joint development of educational programs, collaborative research, and work on global challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on the phased implementation of initiatives, the launch of specific projects, and the development of cooperation roadmaps.

These agreements mark a new strategic phase in Uzbekistan–Latvia partnership in the agricultural, educational, and environmental spheres, focused on a green future and sustainable development.