Serbia Expects Uzbek President's Visit Soon

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said following a two-day visit to Tashkent that Serbia is building a stable political and economic foothold in one of the world’s fastest-developing regions through its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.

He noted that the intensification of bilateral relations followed the visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and a series of high-level contacts between the two sides in recent months. According to Đurić, Uzbekistan is becoming a new strategic partner for Belgrade in Central Asia, creating long-term opportunities for the development of Serbia’s economy and foreign policy.

The Serbian foreign minister said it is important for Belgrade to strengthen ties with countries demonstrating high economic growth rates, including Uzbekistan, both in trade and investment and in political coordination on key issues. He specifically mentioned the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding on sensitive state matters.

Đurić stressed that Serbia is among the first countries to establish strategic relations with Uzbekistan and linked this to a high level of engagement between the leaderships of both states and a solid institutional framework for cooperation.

During the visit, he held talks with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and was received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, whom he described as a leader with strong authority in the region. Đurić said the discussions were practical and focused on delivering concrete results.

The Serbian delegation also visited the Technopark in Tashkent, built on a reconstructed industrial site. The minister said this experience could be relevant for potential cooperation with Serbia in innovation and industrial development.

Special attention was also given to social and sports infrastructure. The delegation visited the Olympic Village in Tashkent, which Đurić described as an example of large-scale state investment in sports. He said both sides discussed expanding cooperation in sports, including exchanges of specialists.

The minister said Serbia is considering bringing in coaches and experts in certain sports disciplines, including basketball, and expressed interest in Uzbekistan’s experience in boxing and other sports.

Đurić added that a meeting with Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov was also scheduled as part of the visit. He expressed expectations that the President of Uzbekistan will visit Serbia in the coming months and conveyed greetings from President Aleksandar Vučić, emphasizing Belgrade’s readiness to further strengthen its partnership with Tashkent.