Serbia Calls Uzbekistan Strategic Partner in Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said during his visit to Uzbekistan that Belgrade considers Tashkent a strategic partner in Central Asia, marking what he described as a new phase in political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to Đurić, his current talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov continued the dialogue initiated during Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit in October. He noted that bilateral relations are gaining additional momentum through the implementation of previously reached agreements. The minister also said that an economic cooperation agreement entered into force five days ago, and that a state visit by the President of Uzbekistan to Serbia is expected in the coming months.

The Serbian foreign minister stressed that cooperation involves one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population of about 38 million and foreign direct investment reaching US$43 billion last year. He said Uzbekistan is strengthening its position as a key state for regional stability, while Serbia aims to play a similar role, following a multi-vector foreign policy approach and viewing bilateral ties as an opportunity to access new markets.

Đurić said discussions highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant potential in the economy, energy, and logistics sectors, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation not only bilaterally but also in third markets. He noted that the level of political mutual understanding remains high, supported by reciprocal backing on key foreign policy positions.

The Serbian minister also emphasized that Uzbekistan consistently supports Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in relation to Kosovo and Metohija. He added that both sides share a commitment to the principles of international law and the need to end conflicts worldwide.

He further noted that personal contacts between officials play an important role in strengthening relations and building trust, adding that his visit to Uzbekistan left a strong impression due to the scale of the country’s economic growth and investment activity.

Đurić concluded that, amid global instability, Serbia is building a broad network of partners to strengthen economic development and protect sovereignty, and that cooperation with Uzbekistan will continue to expand through further high-level visits and intergovernmental mechanisms.