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President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini in Samarkand on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. During the talks, the leaders discussed key aspects of enhancing the strategic partnership and deepening multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing pace of bilateral exchanges and the strengthening of collaboration across priority sectors. This year marked significant progress in Uzbekistan–Slovakia relations, with the successful completion of political consultations and the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. Business activity has also intensified — the number of joint ventures has tripled in recent years. The presidents discussed measures to boost trade and investment, emphasizing the importance of expanding industrial cooperation in key sectors. Plans were made to increase the supply of Uzbek textiles, leather, and agricultural products to Slovakia, while enhancing imports of Slovak industrial goods such as rubber, automotive components, and pharmaceuticals. To facilitate this, the two countries plan to organize national product exhibitions and establish trading houses. Particular attention was given to the digitalization agenda. The parties proposed creating a joint center for monitoring cybersecurity in the banking sector and implementing advanced cargo tracking systems to improve logistics transparency. Uzbekistan also expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with Slovak companies in the production of automotive components, dairy products, and other industries. The presidents reviewed prospects for expanding humanitarian and educational exchanges. Proposals included holding the first Uzbekistan–Slovakia Rectors Forum in Bratislava in 2026, organizing tourism exhibitions, and introducing mutual Tourism Days. The discussion also touched on the establishment of an orderly labor migration framework. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on mutual support within international organizations and on pressing regional and global issues.
