Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting was held at the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan between Otabek Mamatkarimov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Relations, Foreign Economic Relations, Foreign Investments, and Tourism, and Andrei Ogorodnikov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Uzbekistan.

The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and economic relations, cultural and humanitarian initiatives, and tourism, as well as preparations for major international events.

During the talks, it was noted that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Belarus exceeded $600 million over the past year, confirming the steady growth of economic cooperation.

The Belarusian ambassador highlighted the successful completion of the first Belarus-Uzbekistan Tourism Forum in Minsk and announced the second forum, set to take place in Tashkent later this year. Additionally, the parties agreed to hold the third Belarus-Uzbekistan Women's Forum in Vitebsk on 20–21 August 2025.

A key topic on the agenda was the upcoming global event—the 150th anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which will be hosted in Tashkent from 5 to 9 April 2025. Around 2,000 parliamentarians from 190 countries are expected to attend. The Belarusian delegation confirmed its participation at a high level, emphasizing the significance of intergovernmental dialogue in strengthening international ties.

"Uzbekistan and Belarus show a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation. Our achievements in trade and culture are just the beginning of a great journey," said Otabek Mamatkarimov.

Ambassador Ogorodnikov added: "Holding joint forums and participating in the IPU Assembly will serve as a new impetus for the development of not only bilateral but also multilateral relations."

The meeting reaffirmed both countries' readiness to implement ambitious projects. Uzbekistan and Belarus continue to strengthen their partnership, combining economic initiatives with cultural exchange, opening up new opportunities for the peoples of both nations.