Đurić: New Impetus in Serbia–Uzbekistan Relations

Minister Đurić noted that the talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov represent a continuation of the dialogue initiated during the visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić last October, adding that relations between the two countries are receiving additional momentum through the implementation of the agreed initiatives. He recalled that the Agreement on Economic Cooperation entered into force five days ago and that a state visit by the President of Uzbekistan to Serbia is expected in the coming months.

Speaking about cooperation with Uzbekistan, Đurić pointed out that it is the largest and fastest-growing economy in Central Asia, with a population of 38 million and 43 billion dollars in foreign direct investment recorded last year, adding that the country has established itself as a pillar of stability in the region. He assessed that Serbia aspires to a similar role and that the two countries share an independent, multi-vector foreign policy, enabling them to serve as gateways to different markets for one another.

The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that, during the meetings he held, he had the opportunity to witness Uzbekistan’s significant economic, energy, and logistical potential, as well as the possibilities for cooperation not only on a bilateral basis but also in third markets.

He added that there is also a high degree of political understanding between the two countries, recalling that Uzbekistan consistently supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia regarding Kosovo and Metohija, and that the two countries share views on respect for international law and the need to end conflicts around the world.

Đurić also pointed to the importance of personal relations between officials, which additionally contribute to the development of cooperation, stressing that during the visit he gained a strong impression of Uzbekistan’s economic progress. He underlined that Uzbekistan is a country experiencing accelerated growth and attracting substantial investment.

Minister Đurić stressed that, amid global crises and changes, Serbia is working to build a broad network of friends and strategic partners in order to strengthen economic development, protect its sovereignty, and enhance its defense capacities, adding that cooperation with Uzbekistan will continue to intensify in the coming period through high-level visits and the work of joint bodies.