Mirziyoyev, Vucic sign Uzbekistan-Serbia strategic partnership declaration

TASHKENT. Sept 8 (Interfax) - Following the talks in Belgrade, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic have signed a Joint Declaration establishing strategic partnership relations between the two countries, the Uzbek presidential press service said in a statement on Tuesday.

In the presence of the presidents, a package of bilateral documents envisaging enhanced trade, economic, transport, energy, agriculture, digital, and humanitarian cooperation was exchanged.

Specifically, documents were signed on mobility and labor migration, international road transport of passengers and goods, interregional cooperation, collaboration in agriculture and water management, and customs affairs.

The parties agreed to set up a working group to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Furthermore, agreements were reached on cooperation in renewable energy and green technologies, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, tourism, railway infrastructure, economic diplomacy, information and communications technology, digitalization and e-government, and environmental protection, the statement said.

Separate documents envision cooperation in supporting the development of the Middle Corridor, cinematography and film co-production, culture for 2026-2028, occupational safety and health, and the protection of persons with disabilities.

A document establishing a partnership between Uzbekistan's Samarkand region and Serbia's Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was also signed.

As part of the program of events in Belgrade, a ceremony was held to award President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the Order of the Republic of Serbia on the Grand Collar.

This award is presented to prominent foreign figures for outstanding contributions to fostering peace, cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples, as well as developing friendly relations with Serbia.