Vucic: Visit to Uzbekistan major step in development of friendly relations

TASHKENT - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on Tuesday, noted that Serbia and Uzbekistan were connected by mutual respect, understanding and a sincere wish for cooperation, and added that he expected the signing of a series of bilateral documents to strengthen political ties further and advance economic cooperation between the two countries.

In an Instagram post after arriving in Tashkent, Vucic wrote that he expected the visit to Uzbekistan to be a major step in further development of friendly relations and the partnership between the two countries.

"Grateful for and honoured by the cordial welcome in Tashkent. I am confident that, through open and substantial dialogue, as well as by signing a series of bilateral documents, we will strengthen our political ties further, advance economic cooperation as well as connectivity in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture and digital technologies," Vucic posted.

He added that discussions were ahead that would help to define new joint projects and initiatives that would bring concrete benefits to the citizens of both countries, as well as strengthen Serbia's presence in the important Central Asia region.

"Serbia and Uzbekistan are connected by mutual respect, understanding and a sincere wish for cooperation, and these meetings will be a confirmation of a joint readiness to build even firmer bridges of friendship and trust," Vucic noted.

Uzbek PM Abdulla Aripov greeted Vucic at a welcoming ceremony at the Tashkent airport.