Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Official talks between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev were held at the Kuksaroy Residence with the participation of both countries’ delegations.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed key areas for deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing practical ties between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria. Welcoming the distinguished guest, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the historic nature of the visit, noting that it marks the first high-level summit in 17 years, giving fresh impetus to the development of friendship and partnership.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing engagement between parliaments, economic ministries, and foreign policy agencies. Trade turnover continues to show positive dynamics, and new joint ventures are being launched. Cultural and humanitarian ties are also expanding, with sister-city relations established between Bukhara and Varna, and Samarkand and Plovdiv.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to strengthen strategic dialogue between foreign ministries. The parties discussed boosting mutual trade volumes, especially through increased exports of textiles, food products, chemical and pharmaceutical goods, metal products, and modern technological equipment.

To stimulate trade and economic ties, the sides agreed to open trade houses in Tashkent and Sofia, accredit laboratories, and provide preferential credit lines. Promising areas for joint projects include agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals, geological exploration, as well as artificial intelligence, digitalization, IT, and tourism.

Special attention was given to enhancing transport connectivity, including the potential launch of direct flights between the two countries to facilitate business and people-to-people exchanges. The opening of a Uzbekistan Labor Migration Agency office in Sofia is also under consideration to better coordinate employment matters.

The parties voiced strong support for expanded academic and scientific exchanges. A rectors' meeting of leading Uzbek and Bulgarian universities is scheduled to take place in Andijan by the end of the year. In addition, both countries agreed to host a Week of Uzbek and Bulgarian Culture and Cinema in 2026.

To ensure effective implementation of the agreements, the presidents agreed to develop a joint roadmap and elevate the level of co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, involving regional authorities and major businesses.

At the conclusion of the talks, President Rumen Radev invited President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay an official visit to Bulgaria at a time of his convenience.