Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 7 July, ISMI experts met with Vitaly Punchenko, Deputy Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, who arrived in Uzbekistan as an international observer at the early presidential elections.

During the talks, an exchange of views took place on the state and prospects for the development of Uzbek-Belarusian relations, and certain issues of mutual interest were discussed.

Vitaly Punchenko highly appreciated the preparations for the upcoming presidential elections in the country, drawing attention to the positive attitude of the citizens of Uzbekistan, their willingness to vote. The absence of signs of tension in society is highlighted, which emphasizes the "businesslike and working nature" of the presidential elections, and also indicates the consensus in society for further renewal.

According to the expert, the political and socio-economic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years are of great interest to the Belarusian side.

Innovations in the field of education impress with their scale and results. The experience of the mahalla institute as a link between the state and society deserves special attention and study.

At the end of the meeting, mutual interest was expressed in intensifying the expert dialogue to discuss a wide range of issues on the bilateral and multilateral agenda.