Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Rumen Radev met in Tashkent to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties during a landmark state visit.

TASHKENT, 10 June 2025 – In a significant milestone for bilateral relations, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, hosted an official welcoming ceremony for President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria at the Kuksaroy residence, marking the start of the Bulgarian leader’s official visit to Uzbekistan.The ceremony featured the national flags of both nations and a guard of honour, followed by the national anthems and a traditional inspection of the troops. After formal greetings and an official photograph session, the two heads of state commenced high-level talks with their respective delegations.

This was the first presidential summit between the two nations in 17 years, and it was hailed by both sides as a historic turning point. The discussions focused on intensifying collaboration across trade, innovation, education, tourism, and infrastructure. Notably, the leaders agreed on expanding trade in textiles, food products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and technological equipment.

As a practical step to boost trade, both countries will open trade houses in their capitals and accredit laboratories to meet mutual standards. Preferential credit lines will also be introduced to stimulate investment and commerce.

Further agreements included the establishment of direct air links, the promotion of joint ventures in agriculture, AI, IT, and pharmaceuticals, and stronger cooperation in education and research. Humanitarian and cultural exchange will also see a boost, with plans for a week of Uzbek-Bulgarian cinema and culture, and a meeting of university rectors in Andijan later this year. To formalise these developments, the presidents signed a Joint Declaration on Expanding Bilateral Cooperation, and key documents were exchanged, including a 2026–2027 Programme of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and a twinning agreement between Tashkent and Sofia.

President Radev invited President Mirziyoyev for a reciprocal visit to Bulgaria, underscoring both nations’ shared vision for long-term partnership and regional connectivity.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters