Following the third meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Ankara, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements to media representatives.

At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan expressed sincere gratitude to his Turkish colleague for the invitation and fruitful negotiations within the Council.

It was emphasized that Türkiye, being the first state to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence, is a time-tested, reliable partner of Uzbekistan.

As the President of Uzbekistan noted, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, significant efforts are being made in Türkiye to improve the well-being of the people, strengthen the country’s political, economic, and military power, and increase its international authority and influence. Impressive infrastructure projects are being implemented.

“We, as sincere brothers and close friends, not only rejoice at these achievements of the Turkish people, but are also proud of them. Our goals and aspirations coincide”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The historical significance of today’s summit meetings was noted, and the Declaration on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed.

The leaders identified priority areas for mutually beneficial cooperation and set guidelines for the future. Thus, decisions were made to hold regular Council meetings, intensify political dialogue, and effectively use the Intergovernmental Commission’s mechanism.

– We are building new, even stronger bridges of cooperation. Without a doubt, the current meeting of the Uzbekistan – Türkiye Strategic Cooperation Council opens a new page in the history of our relations. The format of dialogue between our countries at such a high level is evidence of mutual trust and respect.

Positive dynamics of trade and economic interaction were noted.

In recent years, the volume of mutual trade has increased 1.5 times, the number of joint ventures has increased by 2 times, and investments have increased by 2.5 times. There are 90 flights a week between the cities of the two countries.

Today, leading Turkish companies are actively working in the Uzbekistan market. With the participation of Turkish businesses, more than 100 projects are being successfully implemented. As part of the current visit, a portfolio of promising projects worth $10 billion has been formed.

The parties agreed to systematically work to increase the volume of mutual trade to $5 billion, expand the range of supplies, deepen industrial cooperation, jointly enter the markets of third countries, and create new growth points and particular industrial clusters.

A mutual desire was expressed to raise partnerships in the energy, mining, electrical, textile, construction, agricultural, food, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare, tourism, education, and culture to a qualitatively new level.

The two countries’ governments have been instructed to identify specific measures to develop logistics and transit capabilities, effectively use existing transport corridors, and enhance business ties.

The President of Uzbekistan announced the decision to establish a joint Business Council, the first meeting of which was held today under the chairmanship of the leaders of the two states.

A detailed exchange of views took place on the current regional issues.

The commitment to continue close cooperation and mutual support in the international arena was confirmed, including within the framework of the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Organization of Turkic States.

The presidents again emphasized the importance of an early end to violence in the Gaza Strip and the beginning of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

“To achieve a stable and long-term peace, it is necessary to create an independent and free State of Palestine”, the President of Uzbekistan said.

The parties expressed a common opinion on the need to promote the truly humanistic essence of Islam, combat Islamophobia and radicalism, and effectively use in this noble cause the invaluable spiritual heritage of great thinkers such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Moturidi, Abdukholik Gijduvoni and Bahouddin Naqshband, who were born and grew up on Uzbek soil and are highly revered in the Muslim world.

Particular attention was paid during the negotiations to the development of cultural and humanitarian exchange. To bring our people closer together, it was agreed to hold mutual cultural weeks, forums on education and medicine, exhibitions, and an increase in the tourist flow.

A separate roadmap will be developed for the complete and timely implementation of all agreements reached.

UzA