Djuric, Saidov discuss advancement of Serbia-Uzbekistan relations

TASHKENT - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in Tashkent on Wednesday to discuss advancement of bilateral relations and the potential for further cooperation.

Djuric thanked Saidov for Uzbekistan's consistent position of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, as well as for its support for Serbia's most important national interests, the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

Besides the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Uzbekistan, a strong impetus lent by a recent visit to Uzbekistan by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, as well as the signing of inter-state documents, open up possibilities for significant strengthening of the partnership between the two countries, Djuric said.

He noted that it was important to seize the positive momentum in development of bilateral political dialogue because building and cherishing friendships was valuable in light of the current geopolitical circumstances.

At the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on numerous topics of mutual interest, given the untapped potential of the relations between the two countries.

It was noted that, to Serbia, Uzbekistan was a major partner in Central Asia with which it was seeking to develop economic cooperation further.

The economy was one of the highlights of the meeting, as the ministers also discussed cooperation in agriculture, innovation, advanced technologies and various industrial sectors.

They noted the significance of establishing an inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, aimed at attracting businesses to both countries.

They welcomed an initiative to open a Serbian embassy in Tashkent in the context of strengthening ties and establishing stronger foundations for the future of the relations between the two countries.

Speaking about cooperation between the two MFAs, they pointed out the significance of continuing the practice of holding regular bilateral consultations, boosting underlying agreements and experience-sharing.

Djuric also said Serbia was ready to welcome Uzbek students as part of its World in Serbia university scholarship programme.